Brazilian Atlantic Forest Trees Migrate Uphill Due to Climate Change, Highlighting Urgent Need for Conservation
July 24, 2024The Brazilian Atlantic Forest, known for its rich biodiversity, spans from Rio Grande do Norte to Rio Grande do Sul.
Trees in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest are migrating uphill in search of more favorable temperatures due to climate change, with different species moving in various directions within the forest.
A study involving 627 tree species across 96 locations in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest analyzed climate patterns using community temperature scores (CTS), showing shifts in these scores and highlighting that younger trees are more agile in migration.
Younger trees in high-altitude forests are predominantly moving uphill, exhibiting increased growth over a decade.
Analysis reveals increasing daily maximum temperature and consecutive hours without precipitation, alongside decreasing daily precipitation across the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.
Hourly data analysis identifies short-term aridity extremes, indicating a significant portion of the forest is already facing dry conditions.
Recognizing short-term aridity extremes is crucial for early warning systems and ecological impact assessments in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.
Species Distribution Models (SDMs) predict future species distributions under climate change scenarios using various algorithms and environmental data.
Further research aims to understand how different regions within the forest respond to global change and the impact of climate change on trees, emphasizing the importance of addressing climate impacts for effective conservation strategies.
Urgent action is needed to protect ecosystems like the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and ensure the survival of trees and dependent species, as climate change continues to impact habitats.
Protecting key species in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest is essential for wild fruit forest conservation and ecosystem health, as these forests are vital biodiversity hotspots threatened by climate change.
Summary based on 4 sources
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Sources
Phys.org • Jul 23, 2024
Heat-sensitive trees moving uphill due to rising temperatures, study findsEarth.com • Jul 23, 2024
Trees are 'relocating' in a race against global warming