Abstract
The Bonn Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals
adopted a Resolution in 2005 recognising the impacts of climate change on migratory species. It
called on Contracting Parties to undertake more research to improve our understanding of these
impacts and to implement adaptation measures to reduce foreseeable adverse effects. Given the
large diversity of taxa and species affected by climate change, it is impossible to monitor all species
and effects thereof. However, it is likely that many of the key ecological and physical processes
through which climate change may impact wildlife could be monitored using a suite of indicators,
each comprising parameters of species/populations or groups of species as proxies for wider assemblages,
habitats and ecosystems. Herein, we identify a suite of 17 indicators whose attributes could
reveal negative impacts of climate change on the global status of migratory species: 4 for birds, 4 for
marine mammals, 2 for sea turtles, 1 for fish, 3 for land mammals and 3 for bats. A few of these
indicators would be relatively straightforward to develop, but most would require additional data
collation, and in many cases methodological development. Choosing and developing indicators of the
impacts of climate change on migratory species is a challenge, particularly with endangered species,
which are subject to many other pressures. To identify and implement conservation measures for
these species, indicators must account for the full ensemble of pressures, and link to a system of alerts
and triggers for action.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 101-113 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Endangered Species Research |
Volume | 7 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - May 2009 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Ecology
- Nature and Landscape Conservation