The cloud forests of Honduras are not immune to climate change and deforestation. Cloud forests are unique and very small in their frequency. They are special due to their high elevation because they are actually in the clouds which means they are never dry and they get their moisture directly from the clouds. However, their uniqueness also makes them extremely vulnerable as their conditions are not easily replicated. A ten-year study of Cusuco National Park shows that bird populations are moving to higher elevations in order to escape the destruction of their habitats. The study showed that species are moving to higher elevations at a rate of twenty-three feet per year. This makes the species diversity increase at higher elevations but decrease at lower elevations. The main cause that drives species to higher elevations is deforestation and the uncaring attitude of developers looking for more agricultural land. Even if extra land protection was added, it would not stop the migration as rising temperatures from climate change simply cannot be stopped. Rising temperatures threaten Cusuco National Park as they decrease the moisture that is available near the lower elevations of the forest which is detrimental to certain species.
This piece of Hispanic news is important because it illustrates how climate change is having a real impact on species. This study further proves that climate change is not an abstract idea, it is a proven phenomenon which has very real consequences. Not only is it affecting species, Honduras uses its wildlife as a big tourism draw and if something is affecting its wildlife, it is also affecting is tourism and therefore its economy. Personally, this article is worrying because it makes me question if the same thing is happening in places in the United States.