As climate change alters habitats and disrupts ecosystems, where will animals move to survive? And will human development prevent them from getting there?
Now you can see those migrations in motion.
New research from Conservancy and university scientists revealed that only 41 percent of the natural land area in the United States retains enough connectivity to facilitate species tracking their preferred climate conditions as the global climate changes. As part of that study, scientists modeled the distribution and habitat needs of 2,903 vertebrate species in the Western hemisphere against land use and projected climate patterns.
Previous work mapped the geographic areas in the western hemisphere through which species will likely need to move to track their suitable climates. That study identified that the Amazon Basin, southeastern United States and southeastern Brazil are three areas with projected high densities of climate-driven movements.
Conservancy cartographer and analyst Dan Majka brought this data to life in a series of maps that show what corridors mammals, amphibians, and other animals will use as they move to new habitats under projected climate change. Inspired by wind maps of the United States, and using code from Earth global wind map, adapted by Chris Helm, Majka’s dynamic map allows scientists and the public to see the continent-wide impact of climate change on animals and visualize corridors they will need to move.
Check out the map above, and use the navigation tools in the upper-right to investigate migration patterns in both North and South America.
Every human has to have a role in conservation of nature and the is need for team work wiht the researchers in this process. participatory innovations are to be initiated with parks personel and dwellers of different areas, tracking of migrating habitants should also be doen as a measure to conserve most of the birds and animals within these dwellings.
Talking about migration patterns in the face of climate change is definitely something I am interested in discussing and learning further. The Benue valley in Nigeria and indeed the trough across the area is currently being ravaged by the herders of cattle in search for grazing areas which in turn affects the local farmers. This, I would like to know more about finding lasting solutions to these impacts.
Excellent Job, greetings from Costa Rica!