Both animal and plant species are threatened by climate change. This can be due to the increase and emergence of new predators, habitat fragmentation, water and soil pollution, or simply changes in environmental conditions.
Among the species most affected by the already noticeable effects of climate change are the Apollo butterfly, the Alpine ptarmigan, and the Spanish fir . These three species are on the lists of the most threatened species in Spain due to climate change. The situation of these species reflects what is happening in other affected areas, as seen in Germany.
Gemma Rodríguez, coordinator of the Natura 2000 Network at the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) , has stated that these three species are in grave danger due to the effects of climate change. A Living Planet Report , published by WWF, 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 coexisting so that the relationships and interdependence between them do not cause the decline of one species to trigger a chain of extinctions. This is especially relevant in the context of plants, which are exposed to drastic changes.
This is why animals and plants living at higher or lower altitudes are more vulnerable to the effects of climate change, as their adaptation period to the new circumstances is longer. Species with a lower dispersal capacity are also more vulnerable, a topic discussed in studies on climate change and its impact on the adaptation of mammals and birds , as well as on natural selection.
For these species, changes in ecosystems can cause alterations in phenology, that is, in their life cycles. For example, climate change can alter the spawning capacity of certain fish species. It can modify the songs or even migratory patterns of some birds. This phenomenon has also been observed in regions where changes in vegetable cultivation have occurred.
The Living Planet Report mentioned earlier indicates that Spain is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change within the European Union. These effects could cause half of all amphibian, reptile, mammal, and bird species to risk seeing their habitats reduced by more than a third . Furthermore, several studies demonstrate that animals and plants are already migrating to higher latitudes where they are more comfortable in terms of temperature. This underscores the seriousness of the situation for threatened species.
If animal and plant species begin migrating north in search of cooler, more temperate temperatures, biodiversity will begin to decline . This 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, the Apollo butterfly tops the list compiled by WWF of the 10 species most threatened by climate change in Spain. This butterfly lives in mountainous areas and, with rising temperatures, will be forced to seek higher altitudes.
Another example of a species that is particularly affected by climate change is the ptarmigan, also known as the rock ptarmigan. This species is highly adapted to extreme cold. Such a climate is only found in Spain at altitudes of up to 1.800 meters in the Pyrenees. It uses its white fur to camouflage itself in the snow, and due to rising temperatures, it would be forced to increase the altitude of its distribution range. This could lead to difficulties in finding food and shelter, as resources are scarce and conditions are harsher at these altitudes. The loss of this type of habitat is alarming, especially considering its vulnerability, as also mentioned in the discussion of the relationship between climate change and its effects on ecosystems.
In the plant world, one of the most vulnerable species is the Spanish fir (pinsapo), which now only survives in areas with high annual rainfall, such as the Serranía de Ronda mountain range. Climate change is causing increasingly frequent and prolonged droughts. As a result, these trees are weakening and becoming more susceptible to diseases and pests. Botanical experts warn that by the end of this century, there will be hardly any Spanish fir forests left. This is a worrying situation, and various strategies for conserving these species have been discussed in botanical gardens.
There are also other threatened species such as the Atlantic salmon, the Betic midwife toad, Posidonia oceanica , the lesser grey shrike, the Montseny newt or the Hierro lizard.
