Direct Mortality: The eruption itself caused immediate and widespread mortality of animals. Pyroclastic flows, ash clouds, and lahars (volcanic mudflows) resulted in the death of numerous animals caught within the eruption zone. Many animals were buried alive, suffocated by the ash, or swept away by the mudflows.
Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: The eruption altered the landscape drastically, resulting in the loss and fragmentation of habitats. Forests were destroyed, grasslands were covered in ash, and aquatic ecosystems were disrupted by mudflows. This habitat destruction displaced many animals and disrupted their natural ecological niches.
Food Chain Disruption: The fallout of volcanic ash and the disruption of vegetation affected the availability and quality of food sources for animals. Herbivores faced challenges in finding sufficient grazing areas, while carnivores struggled to find prey due to the reduction of herbivore populations. The disruption of food chains had cascading effects throughout the ecosystem.
Stress and Disease: The eruption and its aftermath caused increased stress levels in animals due to the sudden changes in their environment and the challenges of survival. Stress can compromise immune systems, making animals more susceptible to diseases. Additionally, the ash clouds could cause respiratory problems and eye infections in animals.
Conservation Concerns: The eruption and its impacts raised concerns for the conservation status of endemic and endangered species in the region. Many species that had limited populations or specific habitat requirements were particularly vulnerable to the effects of the eruption. Conservation efforts were intensified to protect these species and mitigate the long-term impacts of the eruption.