New Study Shows Israeli War is Causing Dangerous Stress in Animals

A recent study by Tel Aviv University reveals that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza is taking a severe toll on the mental well-being of animals. Researchers at the School of Zoology, Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, and Steinhardt Museum of Natural History have focused their attention on geckos, uncovering alarming findings about their stress responses.

The study shows that the sound of explosions, such as rocket fire, significantly stresses geckos, doubling their metabolic rate. This heightened state of alertness persists long after the noise ceases, lasting at least four hours post-bombing. Prolonged stress can become life-threatening if it turns chronic, as it forces animals to consume more oxygen and energy. This need for increased food intake pushes them to venture out more, risking exposure to predators and reducing reproductive opportunities. Interestingly, the geckos showed no signs of adapting to these explosive sounds, even after a month of continuous conflict. This suggests a persistent state of anxiety that poses substantial survival risks.

Professor Eran Levin emphasizes that stress affects both humans and animals, impacting energy reserves and activity patterns. For species already endangered, the additional metabolic cost could exacerbate their risk of extinction.

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