Severe droughts could lead to widespread losses of (UK) butterflies by 2050
http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news-and-media/news/severe-droughts-could-lead-widespread-losses-butterflies-2050[font face=Serif][font size=5]Severe droughts could lead to widespread losses of butterflies by 2050[/font]
Submitted by Dr. Barnaby Smith on Mon, 08/10/2015 - 15:20
[font size=3]Widespread drought-sensitive butterfly population extinctions could occur in the UK as early as 2050 according to a new study published today in the scientific journal Nature Climate Change.
However, the authors conclude that substantial greenhouse gas emission reductions combined with better management of landscapes, in particular reducing habitat fragmentation, will greatly improve the chances of drought-sensitive butterflies flying until at least 2100.
The study was led by Dr Tom Oliver from the UKs Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) in collaboration with colleagues from CEH, the charity Butterfly Conservation, Natural England and the University of Exeter.
Lead author Dr Tom Oliver from the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology said, The results are worrying. Until I started this research, I hadnt quite realised the magnitude and potential impacts from climate change. For drought-sensitive butterflies, and potentially other taxa, widespread population extinctions are expected by 2050. To limit these loses, both habitat restoration and reducing CO2 emissions have a role. In fact, a combination of both is necessary.
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