Newswise — Researchers caution that as a result of climate change causing glaciers to melt at an unparalleled pace, invertebrates inhabiting the chilly meltwater streams of the European Alps will encounter extensive loss of their natural habitats.
Numerous species are expected to become constrained to frigid environments that will endure solely at higher elevations in the mountains, and these regions will also potentially experience stress from the ski and tourism sectors or from the creation of hydroelectric facilities.
The investigation, co-headed by the University of Leeds and University of Essex, urges conservationists to contemplate novel measures for safeguarding aquatic biodiversity.
Invertebrates - key role in ecosystems
The invertebrate species, encompassing stoneflies, midges, and flatworms, assume a crucial function in nutrient cycling and the conveyance of organic matter to fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals across the broader Alpine ecosystem.
Utilizing data on glacier, landscape, and biodiversity mapping gathered throughout the Alps, researchers from various parts of Europe simulated the anticipated alterations in vital invertebrate populations across the mountain range between the present and 2100 due to the effects of climate change.
According to the modelling, as the climate continues to warm, the invertebrate species are projected to search for colder conditions in the uppermost regions of the mountain range. However, these colder areas are also probable targets for the prioritization of skiing or tourism, or the construction of hydropower plants in the future.
The research co-leader, Professor of Aquatic Science at the University of Leeds, Lee Brown, expressed that "Conservationists should be contemplating how protected areas should develop to incorporate the consequences of climate change."
"It could be necessary to relocate certain species to sanctuary regions if we intend to ensure their survival, as a significant number of them are not robust fliers and cannot readily disperse throughout the mountains," Professor Brown further explained.
The scientific article titled "Glacier retreat reorganises river habitats leaving refugia for Alpine invertebrate biodiversity poorly protected" has been published today (May 4) in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution. The paper can be accessed at this link on the Nature Ecology and Evolution website when the embargo is lifted: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-023-02061-5.
Alpine climate is changing rapidly
The study, which entailed a partnership between nine European research institutions, combined information on invertebrate species distribution in the Alps, covering over 34,000 square kilometres, and juxtaposed it with the anticipated changes in glaciers and river streams.
The study had sufficient data to simulate the probable outcomes for 19 invertebrate species, predominantly comprising of aquatic insects that exist in the frigid-water areas of the Alps.
Dr Jonathan Carrivick, from the School of Geography at Leeds, who co-headed the investigation, stated that "We have assessed that the rivers coursing through the Alps will encounter significant alterations in their water source contributions as the glaciers liquefy and retreat."
"In the near future, certain rivers will contain more water, and some new tributary rivers will materialize, but over the course of several decades, the majority of rivers will desiccate, flow sluggishly, stabilize, and might even experience periods of no water flow within a year. Furthermore, most of the water in Alpine rivers will also be warmer in the future," Dr Carrivick added.
Losers and winners
According to the modelling, by the end of the century, most of the species would have undergone "steady losses" of their habitats.
The non-biting midges, including Diamesa latitarsis grp., D. steinboecki, and D. bertrami, the stonefly Rhabdiopteryx alpina, and the mayfly Rhithrogena nivata are projected to be the most severely impacted.
On the other hand, a few species are predicted to benefit from the habitat changes, such as the flatworm Crenobia alpina and the flat-headed mayfly Rhithrogena loyolaea.
According to the scientists' predictions, some species would be able to find refuge in new locations. For instance, the stonefly Dictyogenus alpinus and the caddisfly Drusus discolor are expected to survive in the Rhone valley in southeast France. However, other species are anticipated to disappear from the rivers that flow into the Danube basin.
Conservation
The researchers emphasize in the paper the significant effort required to protect the biodiversity of rivers fed by melting glaciers. They warn that the areas where glaciers will still exist by the end of the century are likely to be targeted for hydropower dams and ski resort development, making conservation efforts more challenging.
Dr Martin Wilkes, who co-led the research from the University of Essex, pointed out that the predicted losses of Alpine biodiversity by the end of this century are based on just one of several possible climate change scenarios.
Dr. Wilkes emphasizes the importance of taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to limit the losses in Alpine biodiversity. Conversely, if no action is taken, the losses could occur sooner than predicted.
The study highlights the importance of comprehending how invertebrate populations react to climate change, as this is crucial for understanding the impact on biodiversity in high altitude regions. Furthermore, the methods developed in this study could be utilized for studying other mountainous environments.
The UK’s Natural Environment Research Council contributed to the funding of the study.
END
RSS