The role of microclimate in supporting peatlands as climate-change refugia: A Central European perspective

Abstract

Central European peatlands are important biodiversity hotspots and potential climate-change refugia, preserving post-glacial relict species and offering insights into long-term ecological functioning. Despite pressures from climate change and land-use disturbances, some relict populations persist even in degraded sites, with genetic studies revealing both their diversity and growing vulnerability to isolation. This paper highlights the importance of understanding the mechanisms underpinning the climate-change refugia potential of a peatland, particularly the role of microclimatic conditions. Integrating paleoecological, ecological, and biogeographical perspectives is key to safeguarding peatlands' role in biodiversity conservation and climate regulation.