While there are great guidelines for mapping general connectivity, not all plans incorporate the critical component of climate change. Climate-wise connectivity refers to the idea of planning for connectivity knowing that climate change is likely to alter linkages by altering habitat. There are guidelines for mapping climate-wise connectivity as well, and several methods that can be used to ensure that climate is taken into account when planning. Modeling for large-scale climate-wise connectivity on a nationwide or continent-wide scale can get complicated, but necessary given the importance of large-scale conservation planning.
Sonntag, S. and Fourcade, Y. 2022. Where will species on the move go? Insights from climate connectivity modelling across European terrestrial habitats. Journal for Nature Conservation, p.126139.
In the past decade, several examples of large-scale climate-wise connectivity models have been published, in varying detail. For example, predicted range shifts for almost 3000 species across North and South America show how movement corridors will direct individuals poleward. Climate models for the Northwestern U.S. incorporate both climate and land use to create more sensitive predictions for movement. More recent models have provided analyses on climate connectivity across the U.S., on potential movement routes across western North America, and on climate corridors across the entire North American continent.
Most modeling has focused on the U.S. and North America, but now a new study adds to the body of work by modeling climate-wise connectivity across all of Europe. It shows that climate connectivity across the continent is similar even under differing climate scenarios, but is highly dependent on how well species can disperse. While much of Central Europe has strong connectivity and stability with numerous protected areas, in some regions these areas have weak protection status and do not explicitly account for connectivity and climate change.
Given the large influence of climate change on the landscape of the future, understanding how connectivity will be altered by a shifting habitats is critical to highlighting important linkages. Large-scale analyses that provide detailed maps of linkages can be helpful in providing a pathway to future connectivity and showing where to focus conservation efforts.
Related Posts
Climate warming disrupts connectivity for terrestrial vertebrates
A global assessment projects that nearly 80% of the world's land area will experience reduced climate connectivity under future warming.
Hybridization mitigates climate change risks for birds
Research on mountain birds shows that hybridization among species boosts their ability to adapt to rapid climate change, highlighting how natural corridors and gene flow can strengthen resilience in vulnerable high elevation ecosystems.
Climate warming disproportionately impacts deep-sea connectivity
A global assessment of range shifts in the ocean under climate change shows that the deepest zones are likely to lose the highest amount of connectivity.
