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Effects of Climate Change on Wildlife in the Northern Rockies

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Climate Change and Rocky Mountain Ecosystems

Part of the book series: Advances in Global Change Research ((AGLO,volume 63))

Abstract

Few data exist on the direct effects of climatic variability and change on animal species. Therefore, projected climate change effects must be inferred from what is known about habitat characteristics and the autecology of each species. Habitat for mammals, including predators (Canada lynx, fisher, wolverine) and prey (snowshoe hare) that depend on high-elevation, snowy environments, is expected to deteriorate relatively soon if snowpack continues to decrease. Species that are highly dependent on a narrow range of habitat (pygmy rabbit, Brewer’s sparrow, greater sage-grouse) will be especially vulnerable if that habitat decreases from increased disturbance (e.g., sagebrush mortality from wildfire). Species that are mobile or respond well to increased disturbance and habitat patchiness (deer, elk) will probably be resilient to a warmer climate in most locations. Some amphibian species (Columbia spotted frog, western toad) may be affected by pathogens (e.g., amphibian chytrid fungus) that are favored by a warmer climate.

Adaptation strategies for wildlife focused on maintaining adequate habitat and healthy wildlife populations, and increasing knowledge of species’ needs and climate sensitivities. Connectivity is an important conservation strategy for most species in the Northern Rockies. Maintaining healthy American beaver populations will provide riparian habitat structure and foraging opportunities for multiple species. Quaking aspen habitat, which is also important for several species, can be enhanced by allowing wildfire to burn, protecting aspen from grazing, and reducing conifer encroachment. Restoration of more open stands of ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forest through reduction of stand densities will benefit species such as flammulated owl. Excluding fire and reducing nonnative species will maintain sagebrush habitats that are required by several bird and mammal species.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. U.S. Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Missoula, MT, USA

    Kevin S. McKelvey

  2. College of Forestry, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA

    Polly C. Buotte

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Correspondence to Kevin S. McKelvey .

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  1. School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA

    Jessica E. Halofsky

  2. U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, Seattle, Washington, USA

    David L. Peterson

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McKelvey, K.S., Buotte, P.C. (2018). Effects of Climate Change on Wildlife in the Northern Rockies. In: Halofsky, J., Peterson, D. (eds) Climate Change and Rocky Mountain Ecosystems. Advances in Global Change Research, vol 63. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-56928-4_8

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