Climate Change: Species and Ecosystem Survival
Characteristics That Help Animals and Plants Adapt to Global Change
Feb 16, 2009
As global climate changes, ecosystems may not be able to remain in the same place. A shift towards earlier seasons, more extreme weather events, and a general warming trend will all make it difficult for animals and plants to survive in their historic ranges. What attributes might help species survive the coming climate changes?
How Fragile Is the Species?
If a species has already been pushed to the brink by habitat loss and degradation, pollution, disease, and other factors, it may not be robust enough to endure another blow to its ability to survive. For example, if a plant relies on very specific moisture conditions in a certain mountain region and those conditions change, the species may not survive. The survival of species will also depend on whether a species is a generalist like the coyote or a creature of more specific needs, like a lynx.
How Mobile Is the Species?
Plants are good at many things, but movement is not a strong point. Smaller species like salamanders that rely on specific breeding habitats also have difficult moving over large distances. This is not necessarily a problem if the animal or plant is able to adapt to a changing climate. Perhaps the tree is able to live at warmer temperatures, or the salamander can change its breeding habits to a slightly different location. However, slower-moving, less adaptable animals and plants will find it challenging to stay in the same place as the climate changes.
How Necessary Are Certain Species?
While every species is wonderful and important, certain species have been noted as keystone species: animals or plants that play a critical ecological role in an ecosystem. Without a keystone species, vital links in the ecosystem begin to unravel.
For example, in the Pacific Northwest, the Pacific Salmon is a keystone species. It feeds both land and water animals and provides an infusion of nutrients into land food webs. Ocean fishing, disease, pollution, habitat loss, and changes in the ocean temperature have all had an impact on the salmon. It is a key animal for individuals and governments to manage, conserve, and restore.
Actions that People Can Take to Protect Species and Work for Ecosystems
What can individuals, families, and communities do to make this change easier on animals and plants?
Reduce future climate change by reducing the carbon footprint of individuals, households, and communities.
Create wildlife corridors that will allow for the movement of species along a contiguous vegetated area. That way, if movement can happen, species have the opportunity to do so.
Create spaces for wildlife in cities so that urban areas play a role in the survival and movement of global ecosystems.
Work with government to create management plans for keystone species, and become involved in plans for the survival of those species.
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