Research led by the University of Leeds and the University of Essex highlights the detrimental effects of climate change on invertebrates in the European Alps, particularly those inhabiting melting glaciers and cold meltwater rivers. These species, including stoneflies and midges, face habitat loss as they retreat to higher, colder areas, which are further threatened by tourism, skiing, and hydroelectric development. The study utilized mapping data to model invertebrate population changes until 2100, predicting significant habitat losses for many species due to rising temperatures. As glaciers retreat, changes in water flow are anticipated; while initially, some rivers may experience increased water flow, over time, most will become drier and warmer. Some species will adapt to new locations, while others face extinction. The research underscores a pressing need for conservation strategies that consider the impacts of climate change, suggesting that some species may need to be relocated to preserve their populations. Dr. Martin Wilkes emphasizes the urgency for decisive global action to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions to protect these vulnerable ecosystems. Strategies developed in this study can be applied to mountain environments globally, highlighting the importance of understanding invertebrate responses to climate changes for biodiversity conservation.
