NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- Migratory species around the world are increasingly being endangered by climate change, a U.N. Environmental Program report issued at a meeting in Kenya says.
The report released at the ongoing climate talks in Nairobi says increased temperatures are either warming or draining the habitats of several migratory animals, including whales, dolphins and birds.
"Some species like green turtles are suffering higher levels of tumors with warmer waters which favors the infections," said Robert Hepworth, the executive director of Convention on Migratory Species.
UNEP Director Achim Steiner said not even Kenya's beautiful flamingos will be spared as the lakes they inhabit continue to dry. This he said is devastating because some of the world economies depended on wildlife for tourism.
"What we are calling on governments to do is to develop adaptation mechanisms and counter the threat. Lake Nakuru, the home of flamingos is almost dry, while more and more species continue to be stressed," Steiner said.
The report notes the migratory species are more vulnerable as they use more than one habitat through out their migratory cycle.
The U.N. conference on climate change is in its second week.
