Results of CA LCC-funded projects for birds, fish presented at conference
Emerson Parcel Tidal Marsh in California
Three CA LCC-funded projects were presented at the US Regional Association of the International Association for Landscape Ecology annual symposium in Newport, Rhode Island in April.
Nadav Nur, a quantitative ecologist with PRBO Conservation Science, presented “Population Modeling Tools to Achieve Long-term Viability of Tidal Marsh Birds in the Context of Climate Change.”
Rebecca M. Quiñones, a graduate student of Professor Peter Moyle at the University of California-Davis Center for Watershed Sciences, presented “The Effects of Climate Change on California’s Inland Fishes: Tools for Adaptation.”
Ryan Harrigan, a post-doctoral student of Professor Tom Smith at the UCLA Center for Tropical Research, presented "Maximizing Evolutionary Potential under Climate Change in Southern California Protected Areas."
Nur’s presentation highlighted concerns over tidal marsh habitat loss and degradation caused by sea-level rise and other factors and its impact on species— some of which are threatened or endangered—that depend on the marshlands.
He discussed population models developed for four key marsh species—black rail, clapper rail, common yellowthroat, and song sparrow—that can be used by natural resource managers to evaluate known and potential risks as well predict the effectiveness of efforts to counteract threats to the long-term viability of those species.
Nur also presented a model developed for tidal marsh song sparrows that looks at the effects of climate-related changes in temperature, precipitation and extreme tides on the viability of future song sparrow populations.
Quiñones discussed Moyle’s project, which collects and organizes life history traits, population trends, status and threats to fishes in California. According to Moyle’s research, 25 percent of the state’s native fishes are in danger of extinction due mainly to their vulnerability to climate change—which increases water temperatures and alters stream flows— along with displacement by alien species and the impacts of agriculture, and dams.
Their information will be used to help agencies predict the impacts of climate change on specific waterways and regions, and develop management and adaptation strategies to keep native fishes from extinction.
Harrigan discussed research by the Center for Tropical Research and the National Park Service into broadening the criteria for prioritizing conservation efforts. Tests were conducted within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area with four species of vertebrate that differed in range size and habitat requirements. Results indicate that natural and man-made barriers often cause separation of populations within species, thereby putting them at greater risk of extinction due to climate change.
"We are developing some great relevant science" said Rebecca Fris, CA LCC science coordinator, "and forums such as these are key to distributing this information to those that can use it and learn from our experience."
The CA LCC recently completed its call for pre-proposals for science projects to fund this year and received more almost 100 responses. It has between $500,000 and $800,000 to support science that meets the goals and priorities of the partnership, says Fris. Awards will be announced in June.