Cookie Policy

This site uses cookies. When browsing the site, you are consenting its use. Learn more

I understood

CLIMATE CHANGE CAN LEAD TO THE EXTINCTION OF THE IBERIAN LYNX, REGARDLESS OF EXISTING CONSERVATION EFFORTS

CLIMATE CHANGE CAN LEAD TO THE EXTINCTION OF THE IBERIAN LYNX, REGARDLESS OF EXISTING CONSERVATION EFFORTS


In a study recently published on Nature Climate Change, an international research team led by Miguel B. Araújo, coordinator of CIBIO/InBIO’s pole at the Universidade de Évora, holder of the “Rui Nabeiro” Biodiversity Chair, demonstrates that the conservation efforts to protect the Iberian lynx can be compromised if the effects of climate change are not considered in the reintroduction strategies put forth.

By examining the combined effects of climate change, prey availability and management interventions on the survival of the Iberian lynx, the researchers were able to demonstrate that climate change will expectably prompt a rapid and stark decrease in lynx abundance, which can lead to the species’ extinction within the next 50 years. Their findings suggest that in order to prevent the extinction of the most endangered wild cat, it is necessary to account for the effects of climate change while outlining reintroduction programmes.

In addition to provide the most comprehensive analysis of the effects of climate change on a threatened vertebrate, this study clearly shows that the effectiveness of conservation strategies to avert biodiversity loss benefits from the analysis of prey availability, climate change and their interaction in models.



Original article:
Fordham, D.A., Akçakaya, H.R., Brook, B.W., Rodríguez, A., Alves, P.C., Civantos, E., Triviño, M., Watts, M.J. & Araújo, M.B. 2013. Adapted conservation measures are required to save the Iberian Lynx in a changing climate. Nature Climate Change.DOI: 10.1038/nclimate1954. 

 

Image Credits: Author (HŽctor Garrido) and owner of copyright (CSIC Andalusia Audiovisual Bank).


Find out more about the study by reading the media section.

2013-07-22
Share this: