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- Info
Global climate change and wildlife in North America
| Author: |
Inkley, D.B.; Anderson, M.G.; Blaustein, A.R. [and others] |
| Date: |
2004 |
| Periodical: |
Bethesda, MD: The Wildlife Society; Technical Review 04-2. 26 p. |
| Link: |
http://www.nwf.org/nwfwebadmin/binaryVault/Wildlife_Society_Report1.pdf
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| Abstract: |
Wildlife species are closely adapted to their environments and readily respond to climate variation. However, as discussed in this technical review, the climate change now underway has extensive potential to affect wildlife throughout North America, either directly or indirectly through responses to changing habitat conditions. When considered in combination with other factors (e.g., pollution, ozone depletion, urbanization, etc.), the potential effect is even greater. The effects of climate change on populations and range distributions of wildlife are expected to be species specific and highly variable, with some effects considered negative and others considered positive. In North America the ranges of habitats and wildlife are predicted to generally move northward as temperatures increase. Variations in this overall pattern will be dependent upon specific local conditions, changing precipitation patterns, and the response of different species to different components of climate change. It follows that the structure of plantanimal communities will also change. |
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