Climate change and species range dynamics in protected areas

Background/Question/Methods

Climate change is driving many species of animals and plants to shift their distributions. As a result, threatened species are moving out of protected areas and invasive species are moving in. We conducted a review of the literature and provide a series of case studies from national parks throughout the world, but focus our attention on the implications of climate change on the biological diversity managed by the United States National Park Service (NPS).

Results/Conclusions

Of particular concern are national parks in mountainous, arid, or coastal regions. The gradual shift of alpine zones toward mountain summits, along with the loss of snow pack and glaciers, has been documented in several U.S. national parks. Corresponding range shifts have already been observed for many species and are predicted for others through species distribution models. Also, in arid ecosystems, where water scarcity is the norm, populations and communities may move out of reserves to track water resources as hydrological regimes change. Rising sea levels threaten coastal national seashores and the biodiversity living therein. Terrestrial reserves and species are not the only ones affected; those marine parks that contain coral reefs protect numerous species whose ranges depend on water temperature. The range limits of pathogens and disease vectors are also affected, with implications for wildlife and human health. Climate change presents an immense challenge to national parks but also an unparalleled opportunity to manage for change by mitigating and adapting to its effects, conserving entire landscapes, and maximizing system resilience. Parks can achieve these goals by strengthening their commitments in four areas: climate change research, education, sustainability, and community relations.