Border walls are built to separate people and countries, but they block the natural movement of wildlife. Many species migrate to survive. They need to reproduce, eat and escape natural disasters or bad weather. When their paths are blocked, their numbers decrease and some animals might even become extinct. The secondary consequences of border walls are actually a serious problem. Here’s why.
Why Migration Matters
Animals don’t just move randomly. They need to migrate, otherwise they die. Some species travel exceptionally far distances every year. They look for more food sources or safer places to reproduce or give birth. If something prevents this, it can compromise entire species and the environment.
The U.S.-Mexico Border Case
The U.S.-Mexico border is around 2,000 miles long and passes through forests, deserts and rivers. This area is home to jaguars, ocelots and pronghorns; animals that need a lot of space. But due to 700 miles of fencing, these breeds can’t reach food, water or find a mate. Some won’t survive.
When Migration Stops
If animals can’t move, populations shrink and they begin to inbreed, which makes them weaker over time. Less genetic variety means they can’t fight off diseases or adapt to climate changes. This could lead to extinction. U.S.-Mexico, China-Russia, and India-Myanmar borders have the highest number of animals at risk due to border barriers.
Rivers and Waterways Messed Up
It’s not only animals being affected. Some border walls block rivers or change water flow, which affects fish, frogs, beavers, and otters. Tiny changes in water can affect entire ecosystems. It has a butterfly effect and even affects animals miles away.
But Birds Can Fly Right?
You wouldn’t think birds would be affected by this. But some migrate close to the ground. When their routes get blocked, they get lost, exhausted or die. Birds that nest on the ground lose their breeding grounds and can die off as a result.
Predators & Prey Get Out of Sync
Migration and the natural food chain are directly connected. If prey can’t move, predators starve. Then, when predators disappear, keeping other species’ numbers under control is almost impossible. If one piece of the system is affected the entire system starts falling apart.
More Animals Running Into People
Some of these barriers physically and directly injure animals: they get trapped, electrocuted, or cut by razor wire. Plus, they find alternative routes if they can’t migrate through their usual route. This means more of them show up in towns, farms, and on roads, which leads to more accidents and conflicts—conflicts that animals never win.
Can We Fix This?
Conservationists are suggesting tunnels, bridges or gaps in fences to let animals through. This has already been implemented in some places. But it’s costly and governments aren’t as involved as they should be. Trying to balance safety and nature is a challenging endeavour.
Some Places Are Doing It Right
Canada and Europe have built efficient wildlife crossings. Some U.S. states are testing underpasses for animals. Mexico has protected jaguar habitats. These examples prove that borders and wildlife don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
What Needs to Change?
Poland built 24 wildlife gates, but they are still closed, which makes migration impossible. We need laws and better planning to open and protect migration routes. Governments, scientists and even regular people need to be aware of this. If people speak for the animals, policies could change.
Nature Doesn’t Care About Borders
Animals don’t recognise man made borders. Hindering their natural movements disrupts entire ecosystems. And these changes don’t just affect wildlife: they eventually affect us too.
Solutions Exist
Border walls support humans but also harm the environment. Migration is a matter of survival, and when it is cut off, species decline and even die off. There are solutions, but these solutions require effort and funds. If we want to protect security as well as nature, we need to act fast.
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This article first appeared here
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