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Climate Change Remains Dominant Factor for Mammal Habitats, New Study Reveals

A recent study from North Carolina State University highlights the significant role of climate in determining mammal distributions, even amidst extensive human influence on the environment. This research offers valuable insights into the potential effects of climate change on wildlife populations.

Led by Roland Kays, a research professor at NC State and an expert at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, the study aimed to assess the relative impacts of climatic conditions and human activities on the habitats of various mammal species. Researchers gathered comprehensive data on 25 mammal species from 6,645 distinct locations throughout the United States. This effort represents one of the largest analyses utilizing camera trap data in the field.

The information largely stemmed from Snapshot USA, a nationwide survey involving collaborative camera trapping, which collects data on mammal populations across diverse environments. Kays expressed initial beliefs that human alteration of landscapes would play a more influential role in determining mammal habitats. Contrary to this expectation, the findings revealed that climate—encompassing temperature variations and precipitation levels—was the primary driver of habitat selection for most of the species studied.

Despite this, human activities such as urbanization and agricultural expansion still significantly shaped mammal distributions. Some species adapted poorly to the proximity of cities and farms, but others found ways to thrive in these altered landscapes. Kays noted, for example, the Eastern gray squirrel’s success in urban areas like Raleigh compared to the Eastern fox squirrel, which fared better in agricultural settings. In contrast, the snowshoe hare demonstrated vulnerability to both urban development and agricultural practices. This differentiation among species helps researchers identify which mammals are more sensitive to human impact and which are more resilient.

The research yielded predictive maps detailing the distribution of various mammals across the continental United States. By establishing geographical regions, or ecoregions, based on mammal prevalence, the study opens a new avenue for wildlife management approaches, which have traditionally focused on plant life. Kays elaborated on this concept by explaining that ecoregions have typically been defined by prevalent tree species. The current research aligns mammal populations with these established ecological classifications, revealing interesting correlations. For example, areas in the eastern U.S. that receive higher rainfall support both lush vegetation and more diverse mammal communities, affirming the interdependence of flora and fauna.

The open-access research paper, titled “Climate, food and humans predict communities of mammals in the United States,” is available in Diversity and Distributions. By clarifying climate as the paramount influence on mammal habitat choice, the study equips conservationists and wildlife managers with essential tools to predict the ramifications of climate change on mammal populations. With rising global temperatures poised to reshape habitats, understanding these dynamics will be crucial for making informed, sustainable decisions regarding the management of wildlife in the coming years.

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