Changing weather patterns caused by climate change threatening migratory birds

Flamingos are among the species at risk (Nardus Engelbrecht/AP)

Africa’s migratory birds are threatened by changing weather patterns in the centre and east of the continent that have depleted natural water systems and caused a devastating drought.

Hotter and drier conditions due to climate change make it difficult for travelling species who are losing their water sources and breeding grounds, with many now endangered or forced to alter their migration patterns entirely by settling in cooler northern areas.