5 - Emerging Threats in a Rapidly Changing World

Summary

In dealing with global changes—including climate, sea levels, and ocean chemistry—traditional approaches to managing species and threats may be unsuccessful. Acting on anticipated changes can improve management effectiveness. Rapid responses may be needed for some threats, such as the effects of extreme weather events. Disruption of ecological relationships among species is a consequence of extinctions and shifting habitats. When functions such as pollination, food provision, or predation are lost, humans may need to take them over a to prevent additional extinctions. Successful planning will account for range shifts and for barriers that include ridges, watercourses, and changing land uses. Species differ in their adaptive capacity in the face of global changes; some may benefit from translocation if suitable receiving habitat is available. Management intervention to build genetic diversity can also be beneficial. Scenario modeling and niche and demographic models can help to anticipate effects of global changes on species of concern. Such modeling can help to prioritize conservation actions designed to prevent imperilment or extinction. Changing regulations that fail to fully acknowledge global changes and associated conservation reliance is essential.