Animals as Sentinels

Animals as sentinels are species used to detect environmental hazards or pollution early warning signs. Because they often share habitats and are sensitive to changes, such as toxins or pollutants, their health and behavior can indicate problems in the ecosystem before humans experience them. Monitoring animals like birds, fish, or mammals helps scientists identify risks, track environmental health, and protect both ecosystems and public health. Essentially, they serve as biological indicators, alerting us to potential dangers so proactive measures can be taken.