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Replaying the ecological tape: Predicting CLIMate-driven SHifts In past and Future species' distribuTion limits?

Project description

Predicting species’ response to climate change

As climate change accelerates, species are responding in unexpected ways, complicating efforts to predict and protect biodiversity. While some are migrating toward cooler regions, others are either staying put or shifting to warmer areas. This unpredictability challenges conservation strategies. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the ClimSHIFT project will analyse over 1 000 bird species with state-of-the-art niche models. It aims to uncover key biological traits that influence species’ adaptability to climate shifts. The project will also develop accurate predictive models and provide critical forecasts for future biodiversity patterns. Ultimately, ClimSHIFT’s work will provide the tools needed to protect species and ecosystems in a rapidly changing climate.

Objective

Climate change is driving significant shifts in species distributions globally, yet our ability to predict these changes remains limited. Only 47% of assessed species are moving towards cooler regions as expected, while others have remained static or shifted towards warmer areas. This variability poses a critical challenge for biodiversity conservation. The ClimSHIFT project aims to revolutionise our understanding of species' climate-driven range shifts by applying state-of-the-art mechanistic niche models across a large dataset of over 1000 bird species. We will address three key research objectives: WP1) Identify biological traits influencing species' adaptability to changing climates. WP2) Assess if species are tracking previously unrealised climatic tolerances, by developing accurate predictive models based on species' fundamental climate tolerances. WP3) Generate improved forecasts of future avian biodiversity patterns, highlighting periods and areas of synchronised range contractions and ecological disruption. This project represents the first such global-scale assessment of distribution response to climate change using species' fundamental physiological limits to predict range shifts. By combining cutting-edge methodologies with an extensive dataset, ClimSHIFT aims to significantly advance our ability to forecast and mitigate climate change impacts on biodiversity. Our findings will have far-reaching implications for conservation planning and ecosystem management. We will provide essential information for targeted conservation efforts by identifying vulnerable species and potential future habitats. The novel frameworks developed can be adapted to other taxa, providing a more comprehensive understanding of ecosystem responses to global change. Ultimately, ClimSHIFT seeks to transform our approach to biodiversity conservation in a rapidly changing world, providing the scientific foundation needed to safeguard species and ecosystems for future generations.

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Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01

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Coordinator

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
Net EU contribution
€ 260 347,92
Address
GOWER STREET
WC1E 6BT London
United Kingdom
Region
London Inner London — West Camden and City of London
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost
No data

Partners (1)