Ecological connectivity for a changing climate.

摘要: A frequently proposed strategy to reduce the negative effects of climate change on biological diversity is increase ecological connectivity (Heller & Zavaleta 2009)— flow organisms and processes across landscapes (Taylor et al. 1993). Traditionally, conservation professionals have sought maintain or restore ensure gene among isolated populations promote recolonization vacant patches (Hanski 1998). Given rapid emergence enhancement as a climate-change adaptation strategy, we considered whether should be emphasized in strategies global regional temperatures what principles for could applied maximize usefulness strategy. The best historical analogue ongoing rise occurred 55 million years ago at Paleocene Eocene boundary, when average temperature rose 5–6 ◦C 10,000–20,000 (Wing 2005). At that time, species’ ranges shifted subtropical cypress swamps, complete with alligators, existed Ellesmere Island Arctic (Estes Hutchison 1980). similar has been projected within next 100–200 (IPCC 2007), two orders magnitude faster than previous warming events. Movements some species, however, are now restricted by human-caused fragmentation other barriers. primary rationale increasing if land-cover can mitigated, this enhance ability species move into new regions changes (Fig. 1), thereby decreasing probability extirpation extinction. Here, refers management actions facilitate dispersal natural areas, example, through establishment landscape corridors stepping-stone reserves matrix permeability. Because funds