Characterizing Climate Change Impacts on Species Ecology to Support Species Status Assessments

A blandings turtle held in someone's hand.
Blanding's turtle. 

Principal Investigator(s):

  • Marta P Lyons (USGS Midwest CASC)

Co-Investigator(s):

  • Catherine Nikiel (USGS Midwest CASC)

Partners: 

  • Olivia E LeDee (USGS Midwest CASC)
  • Ryan P Boyles (USGS Southeast CASC)
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Species Status Assessments provide vital information to US Fish and Wildlife for improving considerations for climate change impacts. In the constrained timeline of species listing decisions, it is not always feasible to conduct lengthy quantitative analyses so there is a need for better resources to provide input for rapid decision-making. In this project, the team will work with species status assessment teams to address direct and indirect effects of climate change on priority species chosen through conversations with US Fish and Wildlife regional offices.

This project aims to provide an overview of the direct and indirect effects of climate change on species life cycle, survival, species interactions, and habitat based on peer reviewed literature, government reports, and analyses of publicly available climate data. Researchers characterize future climate as it relates to species ecology using model projections for changes in climate, hydrology, and land cover. Ultimately, results will inform endangered species listing decisions and be a resource for managers moving forward.

More information can be found on the project website. 

Related Publications 

Project Details

Principal Investigator
Marta P Lyons
USGS Midwest CASC
Year
2020
Topic
Science Tools for Managers,
Wildlife and Plants
Status
In Progress