6533b7d3fe1ef96bd125ff4b

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Importance of Climate Change for the Ranges, Communities and Conservation of Birds

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Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the effects of global climate change on the size and position of geographic ranges and the richness and composition of bird communities. Plenty of evidence demonstrates that range boundaries of birds are correlated with climatic factors. In general, the northern range limit of species seems to be influenced rather by abiotic factors such as cold temperatures. The southern range limit of species appears to be determined by climatic factors such as heat or lack of water in arid regions and by biotic factors in more humid regions. For communities, increases in species richness are predicted for northern latitude and high-elevation sites and declines of species richness in arid regions. With increasing winter temperature, declines in the proportion of migratory species in bird communities have been predicted and observed. The chapter uses these results to evaluate consequences for the conservation of birds. Conservation consequences of global climate change are especially high threats to species in arid environments, expected movements of species out of protected areas and increasing land use conflicts.