Soaring Temperatures Impact Tourism Industry
In the sweltering summer months, authorities and animal caretakers in the picturesque Dordogne region of France have been implementing heatwave safety measures similar to those of neighboring departments. These measures aim to protect both locals, tourists, and animals from the hazardous conditions caused by temperatures exceeding 40°C.
As a precautionary measure, heat alerts and red vigilance warnings are issued to inform residents and visitors about the dangerous heat conditions. People are advised to stay indoors during peak heat, close shutters and curtains to block sunlight, and seek cooler shelters to escape the oppressive summer heat.
Outdoor activities such as fireworks and gatherings are either cancelled or limited during the hottest days to reduce health risks for both humans and animals. This year, the raptors at Château des Milandes in Castelnaud-la-Chapelle were grounded on August 12 due to the heatwave.
Patrick Mercier, the animal keeper at Château des Milandes, prioritizes the well-being of the raptors. On August 12, there was no flight for the raptors, and instead, a meeting was held to allow visitors to observe the stars up close. A shower for the raptors between visits helps drop the temperature in the aviary by almost eight degrees, providing some relief from the heat.
In response to the frequent heatwaves, permanent arrangements such as installing shades are being planned for the raptors at Château des Milandes. This will help evolve the birds' living conditions and ensure their comfort during future heatwaves.
Tourists are encouraged to follow public health advice, which involves staying hydrated, avoiding heat exposure during peak hours, and seeking shaded areas. While explicit animal-specific protocols were not found in the search results, caretakers typically adapt watering and resting schedules and provide cooling systems to protect animal welfare during extreme heat.
As of August 13, the Dordogne has returned to a heatwave alert level of orange, but temperatures are expected to be more bearable compared to the previous days. A tourist commented that it was normal and found the alternative offered quite good, demonstrating the understanding and cooperation of visitors during these challenging times.
In summary, Dordogne's response to extreme heatwaves involves public safety measures, event adjustments, and likely enhanced animal care practices focusing on hydration and shade, aiming to protect both tourists and animals during heatwaves exceeding 40°C.
- Given the repetitive occurrence of extreme heatwaves in the Dordogne region, environmental science researchers are encouraged to focus on the impact of climate-change on specific French ecosystems and the resulting environmental-science data could potentially help devise more effective heatwave safety measures in future.
- As the weather patterns in France continue to be influenced by climate-change, it would be beneficial for the French government to collaborate with international climate-change organizations to study the long-term effects of heatwaves and develop sustainable strategies to protect both the environment and its wildlife, particularly during the summer months.
