The upper left, upper right, lower left and lower right are: Rock Thunderbird, Rock Wren, Alpine Flyer and Water Wren
Identify the regions of the Alps that constitute the last refuges where high-altitude birds will be able to survive the climate changes of the coming decades: they cover a total area of about 15,000 square kilometers and must be protected in defense of all Alpine biodiversity. This is indicated by the study published in the journal Global Change Biology by a group of researchers from Italy, Switzerland, Slovenia, Austria and Germany, including experts from the BirdLife association and the Italian League for the Protection of Birds (Lipu). The first author is Mattia Brambilla, a researcher at the Department of Environmental Sciences and Policies of the State University of Milan.
The area of the Alps that could serve as the last refuge for birds at high altitudes to survive climate change in the coming decades has been identified: the total area is about 15,000 square kilometers and must be protected to safeguard the biodiversity of the entire Alps. This was pointed out by a study published in the journal Global Change Biology by a group of researchers from Italy, Switzerland, Slovenia, Austria and Germany, including experts from birdlife International and the Italian Bird Conservation Union (LIPU). The first author of the study was Mattia Blanbila, a researcher in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy at the State University of Milan.
"In the study we focused on four species of high-altitude birds (the ptarmigan, the sordone, the alpine chaffinch and the peephole) because they are the most threatened by climate change," Brambilla tells ANSA. "We evaluated their distribution by collecting thousands of reports of their presence made by researchers and enthusiasts from 2000 to the present, especially in the period of reproduction in which the birds need to find all the resources necessary for the growth of their young without moving too far from the nest".
"In this study, we focused on four species of high-altitude birds (rock thunderbirds, rock wrens, Alpine flycatchers and water wrens) as they are most threatened by climate change." "Since 2000, we have assessed their distribution by collecting thousands of reports from researchers and bird lovers about their presence, especially during the breeding season, where birds need to find all the resources they need to raise their young birds, not too far from their nests," Brabila told Ansa News Agency. ”
Using statistical models, the researchers examined how the geographical distribution of these birds might vary in the different climate change scenarios proposed for the period 2041-2070. The results show that all species (with the exception of peephole) will live in increasingly restricted areas (from 17% to 59% less than the current ones) and will move to higher altitudes. The regions in which they currently live and in which they will be able to continue to live in the coming decades cover an area of about 15,000 square kilometers, of which 44% is already designated as a protected area.
Using statistical models, the researchers examined possible changes in the geographic distribution of these birds under scenarios of different climate changes that are hypothesized to occur between 2041 and 2070. The results show that all species (except the water wren) will live in increasingly narrow areas (17 to 59 percent less than now) and migrate to higher elevations. The areas in which they currently live and the areas they are likely to continue to live in the coming decades cover an area of about 15,000 square kilometers, of which 44% have been designated as protected areas.
"Knowing how the distribution of high-altitude birds will change and which areas will offer suitable conditions even in a warmer future, is the key to the conservation of such sensitive species and the unique environments in which they inhabit," comments Brambilla. "These areas represent 'climate refuges' for Alpine biodiversity and should be preserved from anthropogenic alteration and habitat degradation."
"Understanding how the distribution of birds at high altitudes will change, and which areas will provide the right conditions even in a warming future, is key to protecting these sensitive species and the unique environments in which they live." Brambira commented, "These areas represent 'climatic havens' for alpine biodiversity and should be protected from human modification and habitat degradation." ”