Climate change and species range dynamics in protected areas

Abstract

Protected areas are key conservation tools for biodiversity management, but they are failing to protect species from current climate change. Focusing on protected areas representing montane, arid, coastal, and marine ecosystems, we provide examples of climate changeinduced range dynamics, including species' moving out of protected areas, disease range expansions, severe population declines, and even extinctions. Climate change thus presents an immense challenge to protected areas but also an unparalleled opportunity to shift from managing for static, historical community composition toward managing for dynamic, novel assemblages, thus complementing the traditional individual-species approach with an ecosystem-services approach. In addition, protected areas are well positioned to lead the way in climate change mitigation. Protected area managers can start achieving these goals by strengthening their commitments in climate change research, community outreach, and sustainability. © 2011 by American Institute of Biological Sciences. All rights reserved.