A new study in the journal PLOS One says Glacier National Park’s iconic mountain goats are in dire need of air conditioning.
Researchers from the University of Montana, Glacier National Park, and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) found that mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus) in Glacier National Park seek out patches of snow in the summertime to reduce heat stress. When they do, breathing rates went down, a behavioral strategy that results in less energy expended.
The trouble is Glacier has already lost some 75% of its glaciers and many snow patches are rapidly dwindling. The park had over 100 glaciers when it was established in 1910. In 2015, only a couple dozen met the size criteria to be considered active glaciers
The study’s authors, Wesley Sarmento of the University of Montana, Mark Biel of Glacier National Park, and WCS Senior Scientist, Joel Berger, have studied mountain goats in the field since 2013 to better understand thermal environments and their changes on this cold-adapted species in Glacier.
Read more at Wildlife Conservation Society
Image: Glacier National Park's iconic mountain goats seek out vanishing snow patches where they cool and reduce their respiration. (Credit: Wesley Sarmento - University of Montana)