15 Unexpected Ecological Impacts of Tornadoes: The 10th One Will Surprise You!

8. Wildlife Behavioral Adaptations

Because animals react to both the immediate threat of the storm and the changed post-tornado environment, the occurrence of tornadoes can set off amazing behavioral adaptations in wildlife. Many animals show amazing short-term sensitivity to the approach of violent storms, frequently reacting well before the tornado is apparent. While animals might show more anxiety or start to flee places in the path of the storm, birds might become very quiet and find cover. These actions imply that animals might be sensitive to changes in air pressure, infrasound, or other environmental signals linked with approaching tornadoes. Following a tornado, animals have to adjust to a quite different habitat. Some species, especially those depending mostly on the pre-tornado forest structure, may first suffer in the changed surroundings. Others, though, might find great success under the new circumstances. For some bird species that favor open regions or edge habitats, for instance, population increases in the recently established cleanings could be observed. While predators may have to modify their hunting techniques to fit the new terrain, small mammals may find great refuge in trash mounds. As people search for fresh resources or suitable habitats, the disturbance can also cause brief shifts in animal movement patterns and territory boundaries. With time, the mosaic of habitats produced by tornado damage—including areas of dense regrowth, open spaces, and standing dead trees—can support a wide range of species, thereby perhaps raising general biodiversity. The behavioral plasticity shown by animals in reaction to these catastrophic events emphasizes the amazing adaptability of nature and offers insightful analysis of how animals manage environmental change.