Animals are also suffering from stress and anxiety due to the war. A study conducted at Tel Aviv University found that the sound of explosions from fired rockets induces stress and anxiety in geckos, leading to a sharp increase in their metabolic rates. This energy cost may be life-threatening if chronic. The researchers believe this stress response characterizes many other animals, especially those living in conflict zones in northern and southern Israel.
The study found that at the sound of bombings, geckos’ metabolic rate jumped to double what it was when they were resting. Their breathing became faster, and they exhibited signs of stress. Even after a month of continuous fighting, the geckos did not acclimate to the sound of explosions; their stress response remained unchanged.
A state of stress is detrimental to both humans and animals. To compensate for increased oxygen consumption and depletion of energy reserves, animals need to eat more. This can expose them to predators and hinder reproduction opportunities. The researchers note that this metabolic cost can exacerbate the conservation status of reptiles and other animals in conflict zones, especially those already endangered.
The study’s findings are consistent with another experiment conducted during Operation Guardian of the Walls, which also observed a stress response in a small snake.
Source: https://phys.org/news/2024-07-animals-stress-anxiety-due-war.html