Super El Niño: why are scientists on alert for a historic phenomenon? The advance of Super El Niño is expected to increase the frequency of extreme weather events in the coming months, with more intense rains, floods and periods of above-average heat in different regions of Brazil. But the impacts of the phenomenon go far beyond the storm. Changes in climate can also modify the behavior of fauna and create favorable conditions for the emergence or increase of diseases transmitted by animals. ? Also follow Terra da Gente on Instagram According to biologist Roberto Leonan M. Novaes, PhD in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology from UFRJ and researcher at Fiocruz, practically all animals suffer some effect from changes in environmental conditions. "All animals are susceptible to climate change to a greater or lesser extent, as the climate can change the food supply, the ability to occupy shelters and cause thermal stress, forcing these animals to move to places more suitable for survival." This displacement, explains the researcher, gains importance when it involves species that act as vectors or natural reservoirs of microorganisms capable of causing diseases in humans. "When we are talking about animals with outstanding importance as vectors or reservoirs of microorganisms that cause diseases in humans, such as mosquitoes, birds, rodents and bats, changes in the abundance, distribution or behavior of these species can result in the emergence of infectious diseases of zoonotic origin, such as dengue, influenza, leptospirosis, hantavirus and rabies." Fruit Bat (Artibeus lituratus), common throughout the country joaopfsz /iNaturalist See more news from Terra da Gente, on g1: CAN CASCAVEL SWIM? Biologist films snake in river in Pantanal; see video IT'S NOT ALWAYS THE MOTHER: Meet animals in which the parents take care of the offspring SCIENCE: Dogs alter the behavior of pumas in protected areas, study reveals Intense rain favors mosquitoes, ticks and snails The researcher explains that the effects vary depending on the type of weather event. During periods of intense rain, for example, the availability of breeding sites for mosquitoes increases. "During periods of intense rain, mosquito breeding sites may increase, accelerating their reproduction and increasing population abundance." In addition to mosquitoes, more humid environments favor other organisms that participate in disease transmission. "Rain can also favor the survival of snails and increase tick activity in humid environments. The higher temperature helps these animals' explosive reproduction, increasing the chances of interaction with humans." This scenario can favor diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, such as dengue, chikungunya and malaria, in addition to diseases related to ticks and snails. Dengue mosquito (Aedes aegypti) eeuforiee / iNaturalist Drought can also increase risks Although concern is normally associated with rain, prolonged periods of drought also profoundly alter the dynamics of fauna. "Prolonged droughts can concentrate animals around the few available water sources, increasing contact between them." According to Novaes, rodents deserve special attention. "Rodents can invade urban, peri-urban and rural areas in search of food and shelter." In rural areas, this approach can increase the risk of hantavirus, for example. "Most cases of hantavirus infections in humans occur during drier periods of the year, when rodents congregate near human food stores, leaving excrement containing the virus. When this dust is suspended during cleaning, it can be inhaled by people." Even during drought, the researcher highlights that mosquitoes continue to find opportunities to reproduce. "Periods of prolonged drought can concentrate mosquito populations in artificial water reservoirs, facilitating contact with humans." Wild animals and the proximity of cities Changes in the rainfall regime also modify the supply of water, food and shelter for various species. "Climate change may favor the rapprochement between humans and wild animals, including those that function as reservoirs of pathogens." House Mouse (Mus musculus), very common in Brazil forrestrussell / iNaturalist According to him, when these natural resources decrease, many animals start to use environments occupied by people. "Changes in the rainfall regime alter the availability of resources for animals, which end up seeking water, food and shelter close to human habitations." This approach increases different forms of exposure. "In this way, the risk of contact with urine, feces, partially consumed food remains and bites increases, which can lead to the transfer of viruses, bacteria and other pathogens to people." Domestic animals also enter this chain of transmission. "Domestic animals can serve as bridges that connect people to pathogens originating from wild animals, whether through predation or sharing environments." The climate does not strengthen viruses, but it changes the environment Novaes emphasizes that it is not correct to say that climate phenomena make viruses or bacteria more resistant. "It is not possible to infer that climate phenomena directly impact the survival or dispersion of the microorganisms themselves." The effect occurs mainly on the environment and animals that host these infectious agents. "Climate influences resource dynamics, impacts the survival and abundance of organisms, and ultimately affects ecological interactions between animals, people and the environment." In some cases, however, environmental factors can directly favor certain groups of organisms. "Higher temperature and humidity can favor