Wildlife
Wildlife can be affected by changes in the environment caused by acid rain. Animals living in freshwater can be affected if the water becomes acidified. Some fish such as the salmon and trout are affected by acidic water, and may also be poisoned by toxic substances that have been washed out of the soil by acid rainwater. Frogs are also dependent upon freshwater for breeding and can be affected by acid rain.
Other animals affected by acid rain include those living in soils like earthworms, and those dependent upon them, like birds. Worms are affected by a build-up of poisonous metals in the soil as a result of acid rain. Birds are not directly affected by acid rain, but by a change in their food supply because of acid rain. Some birds, like the osprey, feed on fish. Otters, too, may have their fish supply reduced if the waters in which they usually feed become acidified.
Acid rain also affect trees and plants, by damaging leaves and the soil which feeds them. A decrease in the amount of trees may cause further problems for wildlife that rely on them for shelter.
| Freshwater wildlife & acidity |
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