A risk-based approach to evaluating wildlife demographics for management in a changing climate: a case study of the Lewis's Woodpecker.

ABSTRACT: Given the projected threat that climate change poses to biodiversity, the need for proactive response efforts is clear. However, integrating uncertain climate change information into conservation planning is challenging, and more explicit guidance is needed. To this end, this article provides a specific example of how a risk-based approach can be used to incorporate a species' response to climate into conservation decisions. This is shown by taking advantage of species' response (i.e., impact) models that have been developed for a well-studied bird species of conservation concern. Specifically, we examine the current and potential impact of climate on nest survival of the Lewis's Woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis) in two different habitats. To address climate uncertainty, climate scenarios are

SUBMITTER: Towler E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3497959 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature