By Kalpesh Prajapati, AIDMI, India

It is assured that animals live in rural areas and not in urban areas, but AIDMI has found that over 15 to 20 types of animals live in Indian cities: may they be cows, monkeys, elephants, camels, donkeys, dogs, cats, and even squirrels. And the impact of extreme heat on their life and health becomes negative.

India experiences extreme heat conditions, affecting not only humans but also animals, as said above. Wildlife, livestock, and stray animals have natural heat resilience, but rising temperatures and habitat changes are making survival increasingly difficult. Their death and illness are not even needed regularly. Respecting and supporting their ability to withstand extreme heat requires proactive efforts in conservation, hydration, shelter, and public awareness in Indian cities.

1. Understanding Natural Urban Heat Resilience in Animals

Many animals in urban India have adapted to high temperatures:

• Desert animals like camels, which live in Indian cities transportation store water efficiently and have specialised body structures to minimise heat absorption.
• Wildlife like elephants regulate body temperature by resting in water bodies.
• Birds like peacocks and kites, but also animals like dogs and cats, cool themselves through panting and seeking shade.

While these adaptations help, human activities in cities and climate change are making conditions harsher, requiring additional support to the animals as well as city authorities.

2. Ensuring Access to Water Sources in Cities

Dehydration is a major threat during extreme heat. Ways to support animals in cities include:

• Preserving and restoring natural water bodies such as ponds and lakes in and around cities.
• Encouraging urban farmers and farm house owners in cities to provide water points for livestock in open areas.
• Setting up water troughs in wards for birds, cattle, and stray animals.

Small efforts, like placing clay bowls with water in gardens, can make a significant difference to hundreds of squirrels or many monkeys.

3. Providing Shade and Shelter in Towns

Shade is crucial for animals to escape direct sunlight in towns. Supportive measures include:

• Building shaded enclosures for cattle and working animals such as donkeys and camels.
• Creating artificial shelters in open landscapes, such as parks, open plots, and rail tracks in town, makes a big difference.
• Planting more trees in towns to create natural shelter in and around towns.

Providing shelter reduces heat stress and helps animals recover from extreme temperatures.

4. Avoiding Overworking Animals in Urban Transport

Livestock and working animals, such as bullocks and horses, suffer heat exhaustion if overworked. Respecting their well-being involves:

• Using light-colored coverings to reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption.
• Reducing workloads during peak heat hours.
• Ensuring access to rest periods and hydration.
• Ensuring adequate rest during night hours.

Balancing work and rest and water intake improves the health and longevity of working animals.

5. Protecting Urban Wildlife from Climate Change

Extreme heat and habitat destruction threaten India’s wildlife in cities, may it be Zoos such as tigers or wildlife living at large in urban areas, such as elephants. Conservation efforts should focus on:

• Protecting urban wetlands and forests that support biodiversity.
• Preventing urban deforestation and de-vegetation to maintain natural cooling systems.
• Reducing human-animal conflicts by ensuring wildlife corridors and safe zones for monkeys in urban areas.

Sustainable development practices help preserve urban ecosystems that support animal resilience.

6. Raising Urban Awareness and Community Involvement

Educating urban communities about animal heat resilience fosters a culture of respect and care. Awareness nurturance initiatives can include:

• Workshops on animal welfare and climate change impacts followed by spot visits to solutions to the adverse impact on animals in cities.
• Encouraging responsible pet care during heatwaves.
• Government and NGO programmes promoting animal protection policies in cities from traditional Gaushala for cows to animal health medicine clinics.

A collective effort can ensure animals receive the support they need to survive extreme heat in urban areas.

Conclusion: Respecting the extreme heat resilience of animals in urban India means providing water, shade, rest, and conservation efforts by citizens and authorities in public and private properties. By integrating urban community awareness and sustainable practices, we can help animals in cities to adapt to rising temperatures and ensure their well-being in accelerating extreme heat in towns and cities of India.