Climate change could restrict habitat availability for Western Ghats birds such as The Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, warn researchers
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Species, protected areas & wetlands· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
Researchers warned that climate change could severely restrict the habitat of the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon (NWP) in the Western Ghats by 2100.
Background
A study published in the 'Proceedings of the Indian National Science Academy' used MaxEnt modeling and eBird occurrence records to predict habitat suitability. The research highlights the vulnerability of high-elevation forests in the Western Ghats to climate-driven habitat loss.
Facts for Prelims
- EnvironmentNilgiri Wood Pigeon (NWP): An endemic bird species found in the high-elevation forests of the Western Ghats.
- S&TMaxEnt modeling: A method used in the study to predict habitat suitability based on environmental variables.
- PlaceWestern Ghats: A mountain range in India identified as a high-vulnerability zone for endemic species habitat.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how climate change poses a threat to the biodiversity of the Western Ghats and suggest measures for climate-resilient conservation of endemic species.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Habitat fragmentation: Loss of high-elevation forest corridors due to rising temperatures
- Endemism risk: High vulnerability of species with restricted geographic ranges to localized climate shifts
- Conservation policy: Need for integrating climate modeling into existing biodiversity protection frameworks
Keywords: Climate-resilient conservation · Endemic species · Habitat suitability · Biodiversity loss · MaxEnt modeling
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