Both animal and plant species are threatened by climate change. Either by the increase and appearance of new predators, fragmentation in habitats, water and soil contamination or simply by changes in environmental conditions.
Among the species that are most affected by the already notable effects of climate change we find the apollo butterfly, the alpine lagópogo and the pinsapo. These three species are found on the lists of most endangered species in Spain due to climate change. The situation of these species is a reflection of what is happening in other affected areas, as seen in Germany.
Gemma Rodríguez is the coordinator of the Natura 2000 Network of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), and has stated that these three species are in serious danger from the effects of climate change. A report of Living Planet, conducted by WWF, which highlights the negative effects that climate change can have on species living in the most isolated or restricted areas. For the ecological balance of an ecosystem to remain stable, it is better to have a greater number of species cohabiting so that the relationships between them and their dependence do not cause the decline of a species to become a chain of extinctions. This is especially relevant in the context of plants that are exposed to drastic changes.
That is why animals and plants that live at higher altitudes or, conversely, lower, are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, since their adaptation period to new circumstances is longer. Species with a lower dispersal capacity are also more vulnerable, which has been discussed in studies on climate change and its impact on the adaptation of mammals and birdsIn addition to natural selection.
For these species, changes in ecosystems can cause changes in phenology, That is, in life cycles. For example, climate change can cause alterations in the spawning capacity of certain fish species. Some birds may experience changes in their song or even their migratory patterns. This phenomenon has also been observed in regions where changes in vegetable cultivation.
The Living Planet report named above indicates that Spain is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change within the European Union. These effects can cause half of the species of amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds to run the risk of having their habitats reduced in more than a third. In addition, several studies show that animals and plants are already moving to higher latitudes where they are more thermally comfortable. This highlights the seriousness of the situation for Endangered Species.
If species of animals and plants begin to migrate north in search of more pleasant and not so warm temperatures, it will begin to occur an impoverishment of biodiversityThis can lead to a lack of connectivity between ecosystems and fragmentation, making them even more vulnerable to the effects of climate change. It is also important to consider how this process can lead to an increased risk of extinction, as discussed in the context of cities threatened by global warming.
For example, in the list compiled by WWF of the 10 most threatened species in Spain due to climate change, the apollo butterfly is the first figure. This butterfly lives in mountainous areas and, with increasing temperatures, it will be forced to look for areas of higher altitude.
Another example of a species that is more affected by climate change is the alpine lagópod or more commonly known as the ptarmigan. This species is more adapted to extreme cold. This climate is only found in Spain at 1.800 meters of altitude in the Pyrenees. It uses white fur to camouflage itself in the snow, and due to rising temperatures, it would be forced to increase the altitude of its distribution area. This can cause difficulties in finding food and shelter, since at such altitudes resources are scarce and conditions are more unfavorable. The loss of this type of habitat is alarming, especially considering its vulnerability, as also mentioned in the relationship between climate change and its effects on ecosystems.
In the plant world, one of the most sensitive species is the Spanish fir, which only lives in areas of high annual rainfall such as the Serranía de Ronda. Climate change is causing ever more and longer droughts. That is why these trees weaken and become more vulnerable to the appearance of diseases and pests. Botanical experts warn that by the end of this century There will hardly be any fir forests anymore. This is a worrying situation, as different strategies have been discussed in Botanical Gardens to conserve these species.
There are also other threatened species such as the Atlantic salmon, the Betic midwife toad, oceanic posidonia, the lesser shrike, the Montseny newt or the Iron lizard.
