Effects of Climate change on Plants and animals
Many plants and animals will be effected by Climate Change in the future, and many have already been impacted by changes in the environment. The Colima Warbler is only found the United States in Big Bend National Park during spring months. This bird holds special importance not only because it is gorgeous, but because it is very rare in the US, with an estimated fewer than 200 couples in Big Bend in a given spring. Already in danger of losing its presence in Big Bend, the Colima Warbler is very sensitive to changes in ecology, and could easily be wiped out completely by even minor habitat loss.
This problem only continues to grow as the eminent threat of Climate Change looms overhead. Some issues that scientists have predicted will effect the earth are extreme weather, as well as differences in rainfall and temperature. All of these factors contribute to the possible loss of the thickly wooded oak forests and underbrush that Colima Warblers need to survive, and could end up killing them off for good. |
Climate change in big bend; now and future
NowVaried precipitation patterns in Big Bend could be attributed to climate change and currently have an impact on the vegetation in the park. At this point in time, the only significant impacts that could be a result of climate change are those on plants in the park.
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FutureScientists at Big Bend predict shifts in vegetation in Big Bend. Numerous animal species are also expected to move from the desert to the mountains. Exotic plants may take over more of the desert, completely changing all of the different ecosystems in Big Bend.
Of the three main habitats in Big Bend (the Chisos Mountains, the Chiuauan Desert, and the Rio Grande) the mountains are projected to experience the largest amount of change due to climate change. Scientists have already seen examples of the surprising vulnerability of the plants in the mountains and any change in the environment could cause this fragile ecosystem to collapse. |
What's Being done?
Scientists and Rangers of Big Bend alike are currently in research and study mode regarding climate change. In order to do anything to prepare or prevent climate change we must understand potential impacts and signs. David Larson, the chief of science and resource management at Big Bend commented about working to understand what climate change could mean in terms of change in ecosystems and how park officials may choose to deal with this change in the future. Understanding how closed canopies may effect organisms in the mountains is currently one of the primary research goals at the park.
Big Bend also works to educate the community about climate change and stewardship in the park through an educational outreach program. This combined with the aforementioned research puts Big Bend in a good position for future change.
Big Bend also works to educate the community about climate change and stewardship in the park through an educational outreach program. This combined with the aforementioned research puts Big Bend in a good position for future change.