WILDLIFE is facing "a crisis of survival," with species across the UK at breaking point due to extreme heat.
Environmental experts have warned that rising temperatures are pushing birds, mammals, and aquatic life to the brink as part of a wider trend of climate-driven habitat loss and ecosystem stress.
With 2026 bringing record temperatures and the fifth heatwave of the summer, the impact on nature is becoming increasingly severe.
Daniel Reynolds, director of business development at Thomson Environmental Consultants, said: "Wildlife is struggling to adapt as hotter temperatures and extreme weather cause changes to where animals and plants live.
"We are seeing shifts in species behaviour, increased stress, and the degradation of natural habitats.
"From dehydration to food shortages, our birds, mammals, and aquatic life are paying the price."
Heatwaves dry up water sources, leaving animals dehydrated and unable to forage during the hottest parts of the day, which is especially dangerous for young wildlife.
Dry conditions also raise the risk of fast-spreading wildfires that can destroy habitats in a matter of hours and take decades to recover.
Mr Reynolds said: "We need to stop viewing climate change and biodiversity loss as separate problems.
"By integrating biodiversity objectives into our daily lives and development plans, we can reduce risk and create lasting environmental value."
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