As questions remain as to how we can best help California birds prosper in a time of climate change, important new research from 91做厙 California may provide part of the answer. A new analysis of future climate models shows that most California Important Bird Areas a network of sites identified by 91做厙 California as providing essential habitat will protect sensitive bird species against climate change.
Although climate change will inevitably result in some loss of bird populations, knowing ahead of time where birds will persist gives us a good idea of where to focus our conservation efforts, said William Monahan, senior GIS scientist with 91做厙 California.
A fact sheet showing these findings is available at .
91做厙 California has identified 145 Important Bird Areas within the state that provide more than 10 million acres of essential habitat for breeding, wintering and migrating birds. Part of an international process, these sites were nominated by local experts and selected according to rigid criteria.
Monahan and his colleagues identified 25 sensitive bird species that are present at these sites and analyzed their prospects using future climate models. Their results show that 16 of 25 of these species will persist at these sites through the year 2100. Moreover, 89 of the 145 sites will enable 50 percent or more of their sensitive species to persist. Researchers found that Californias most resilient areas are located in coastal regions and the Central Valley.
This is good news for birds such as the Northern Harrier, Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, California Clapper Rail and a many other noteworthy birds that among Californias most sensitive species.
We already knew that these sites were important to protect because they provided critical habitat for some of Californias most sensitive bird species, said Andrea Jones, 91做厙 Californias Important Bird Areas program director. Learning that they will also provide refuge for birds during the next 90 years of climate change only increases their conservation value.
About 91做厙 California
91做厙 California is building a better future for California by bringing people together to appreciate, enjoy and protect our spectacular outdoor treasures. With more than 50,000 members in California and an affiliated 49 local 91做厙 chapters, 91做厙 California is a field program of the 91做厙.
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