Efforts to protect birds from the effects of climate change might overlook an essential aspect: their specific climate needs, known as their climatic niche breadth. A recent study conducted by scientists at the University of East Anglia examined how different temperature and rainfall patterns affect bird populations across Europe.
The researchers analyzed bird population data from 159 species over four decades in 29 countries, relating these trends to 30 years of climate data. This approach focused on how adaptable each species is within its habitat.
Common Birds at Risk
Many people assume that rare birds are the most threatened by climate change. Interestingly, the study found that it’s not just the rarity of species that matters but how well they can handle various climate conditions. Lead author Karolina Zalewska highlighted that even widely spread birds like house sparrows and common starlings can also face significant challenges. Birds with a narrow range of climate tolerances are particularly vulnerable to rapid climate changes, contributing to their population decline.
"Determining which species are at the highest risk isn’t straightforward," Zalewska stated. "Both rare species and common ones with limited climate adaptability may face serious threats."
Narrow Climate Ranges Matter
The findings stress the need to consider how susceptible birds are to climate variability when evaluating their risk and long-term stability. For instance, among species with similar geographic ranges, those that can tolerate only limited climates are more prone to decline.
This research emphasizes the urgency for conservationists. The global biodiversity crisis and climate change make it critical to quickly assess which species are most vulnerable due to their specific environmental requirements.
A New Risk Assessment Tool
The team introduced a new index combining climatic niche breadth with each species’ range area. This tool helps predict a bird’s vulnerability to environmental changes even more accurately when merged with additional data on diet, body size, primary habitat, and migration patterns.
Zalewska believes this index could serve as an essential resource for conservationists. It can quickly identify which species need urgent protection based on their climate resilience.
Out of the species studied, 58 were declining, 68 remained stable, and 33 were increasing. Interestingly, birds living in farmland, like corn buntings and skylarks, tended to be declining more than those thriving in urban areas, such as blackbirds and blue tits.
The Future of Bird Conservation
This research signals a potential shift in conservation strategies. Instead of merely focusing on species rarity or geographic range, experts may need to examine how birds respond to different climate conditions.
The overall takeaway? By pinpointing the species sensitive to climate change, we can better protect them, helping to stabilize their populations against future climate impacts.
For detailed insights, check out the full study published in the Journal of Biogeography.
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