In the study, scientists from the University of Cambridge analyzed changes in the geographic range of 16
As you know, the diversity of species supportsimportant ecosystem functions - from pest control to carbon storage. The vulnerability of species to extinction is strongly influenced by the area of their geographic range. Developing effective strategies for their conservation requires a better understanding of how habitats have changed in the past and what awaits them in alternative scenarios of the future.
It should be noted that some species are exposed tomore powerful than others. An alarming 16% of species have lost more than half of their natural historical range, and this figure could rise to 23% by the end of the century.
The areas of species have decreased the most intropical areas. About 50 years ago, the greatest development of agriculture was in Europe and North America. Since then, vast areas of land have been converted for agriculture in the tropics. For example, rainforests were cleared for oil palm plantations in Southeast Asia and pastures in South America.
As people move theiractivities deeper into the tropics, the impact on species ranges becomes disproportionately large. The reason is the huge variety of species in these areas. In addition, the initially natural ranges of vulnerable individuals are already small.
Research results predict thatclimate change will increasingly affect the geographic ranges of species. Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns will significantly change the habitat. Other studies predict that without diminishing human influence on the climate, Amazon forests could transform from tropical to savanna. This will happen in the next 100 years.
Species in the Amazon have adapted to life in the rainforest. If climate change leads to a change in this ecosystem, many of them will not be able to survive, the scientists conclude.
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