Melting Glaciers Pose Increasing Threat to Biodiversity in Mountain Ranges

Nature Ecology and Evolution, 4 May 2023

Glacier retreat across the European Alps decreases the habitat for crucial invertebrate species that live in meltwater rivers. Loss of these species could permanently reshape surrounding ecosystems, and weaken their ability to cope with future stressors. Stoneflies, midges, and flatworms play an important role in supporting larger organisms such as fish, amphibians, birds and mammals across the Alps. These tiny invertebrates rely on cold and strong meltwater rivers for their survival. As high mountain environments become increasingly warm and dry, they may become locally extinct within the next few decades, especially in areas where glaciers disappear entirely. Dr. Martin Wilkes from the University of Essex is one of the lead authors: “Decisive action by world leaders to reduce greenhouse gas emissions could limit the losses. On the other hand, inaction could mean that the losses happen sooner than we predict.” This study provides a clear message that rising temperatures threaten the survival of specially adapted species, and even small-scale shifts in species distributions can have widespread and profound impacts on mountain communities.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-023-02061-5