A recent study shows that 66% of tropical key biodiversity areas are facing new temperature regimes, threatening native species with narrow climate tolerances. This underscores the need for targeted efforts to protect these vital ecosystems.
Climate change impacts tropical biodiversity
Research by the Universities of Exeter, Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Cambridge found that two-thirds of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in rainforests are experiencing new temperature conditions due to climate change. KBAs are recognized as the most important habitats for species conservation worldwide.
The study analyzed temperature data from the last 30 years under the canopy of tropical forests around the world. It turns out that 66 percent of these areas are now experiencing what scientists call new “temperature regimes,” with more than 40 percent of temperature readings exceeding previously recorded ranges.
Another 34% of CBAs have not yet encountered these new temperature regimes. Researchers believe these areas may be important refuges that help preserve biodiversity. This research was published today (October 15) in the journal. Protection Letters On the eve of the UN Conference on Biodiversity (COP16), which begins in Colombia on 21 October.
Risks of narrow temperature ranges for species
from the Environment and Sustainability Institute at Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall. “Beneath the rainforest canopy there is a rich biodiversity in a very stable climate,” said Brittany Treu.
“So species here are at particularly high risk from new annual temperature regimes because they evolved within a narrow range of conditions. They can only withstand so much warming beyond what they are used to.”
The Post-2020 Global Agenda for Biodiversity includes a draft target to protect at least 30% of the world’s land by 2030, specifically identifying KBA as a key priority for this.
Climate-friendly policies and biodiversity conservation
Dr. is a lecturer in biodiversity at Manchester Metropolitan University. Alexander Lees said: “The amount of political and economic capital devoted to biodiversity conservation is woefully inadequate. “Our findings suggest that the rigorous process of conservation classification (the selection of new protected areas) must therefore take into account the impact of ongoing climate change on these areas in prioritisation.”
KBAs do not automatically receive formal protection; This decision is made by national governments in designated areas. The article highlights that of the 34% of the KBA’s tropical forests that have not seen the new temperature regimes, more than half are currently unprotected.
“We need ‘climate-smart’ policies that protect these vital refuges,” Dr Trev said.
Researchers used temperature measurements, satellite data, and a microclimate model to estimate hourly surface temperatures in the world’s tropical KBAs. In Africa and Latin America, the proportion of KBAs with new temperature regimes was particularly high (72% and 59%), while in Asia and Oceania, fewer KBAs switched to new temperature regimes (49%).
Some KBAs in Latin America (2.9%) and a small number in Asia and Oceania (0.4%) have recently switched almost completely to new temperature regimes (more than 80% of temperature measurements fall outside the previous range).
In Latin America, these KBAs were all located in Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, or Panama, with the tropical Andes particularly affected. An article published in a journal Protection Lettersis titled: “Identifying Keystone Areas of Climate-Friendly Tropical Biodiversity for Conservation in Response to Widespread Temperature Innovations.”
Source: Port Altele
