| Scientists have now accepted that the effects of human induced climate change will be realized in the next century, and may have already begun. The main objective of this research was to identify which species in the Kejimkujik National Park region experts believe could be most sensitive to climate change. The climate change scenario utilized was for an average of 2°C warming and generally drier conditions. This thesis also provides some preliminary discussion of management strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on populations of these species and on natural communities generally. The thesis explores species sensitivity to climate change through an expert opinion survey. Opinions were gathered on which species might be sensitive (positively or negatively) to climate change. Suggestions for potential indicator species for monitoring ecosystem responses to climate change, and potential management strategies for mitigating the negative effects of climate change, were also collected. (Abstract shortened by UMI.). |
