New research offers hope for species under threat

Conservation biologists at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) have come up with a novel method for identifying new homes for species threatened by climate change.

Using their knowledge of species ecology, scientists created habitat suitability maps and identified sites that will remain suitable in the future regardless of climate changes.

Nearly half of all birds and amphibian species are thought to be vulnerable to extinction. Those in rare or extreme habitats, such as the emperor penguin in the Antarctic, have already seen dramatic declines due to climate change.

Many species are forced to move to new locations in order to survive when climates change. If they are unable to relocate naturally, their only chance is the use of translocation.

The key to successful translocation is understanding and accounting for the link between variations in species population size, current climate, and how the climate could change.

As climates continue to change, translocation could become an increasingly important part of conservation.

This new method, which can be applied to any species under threat from climate change, shows how these interventions can be successful even under the influence of a changing environment.

Dr Nathalie Pettorelli, ZSL's climate change coordinator, says: “Climate change poses a worrying threat to many animals, and relocating vulnerable species to new and more suitable habitats may be the only way to protect them.

"However, this is an extreme conservation action which needs to be thoroughly justified, and requires clear guidance on where threatened populations should be moved. Our research shows how these key requirements can be met."

Image courtesey of Dr. Paul Ponganis, National Science Foundation.