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Future distribution of tundra refugia in northern Alaska

Nature Climate Change volume 3, pages 931–938 (2013)Cite this article

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Abstract

Climate change in the Arctic is a growing concern for natural resource conservation and management as a result of accelerated warming and associated shifts in the distribution and abundance of northern species. We introduce a predictive framework for assessing the future extent of Arctic tundra and boreal biomes in northern Alaska. We use geo-referenced museum specimens to predict the velocity of distributional change into the next century and compare predicted tundra refugial areas with current land-use. The reliability of predicted distributions, including differences between fundamental and realized niches, for two groups of species is strengthened by fossils and genetic signatures of demographic shifts. Evolutionary responses to environmental change through the late Quaternary are generally consistent with past distribution models. Predicted future refugia overlap managed areas and indicate potential hotspots for tundra diversity. To effectively assess future refugia, variable responses among closely related species to climate change warrants careful consideration of both evolutionary and ecological histories.

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Figure 1: Methodological summary.
Figure 2: SDMs for shrews.
Figure 3: Future (2080s) species distribution models for tundra- associated species.
Figure 4: Demographic results.

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Acknowledgements

Statistical analyses were facilitated by the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Life Science Informatics Portal, http://biotech.inbre.alaska.edu. UAF Life Science Informatics as a core research resource is supported by Grant Number RR016466 from the National Center for Research Resources (NCRR), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Support was provided by US Geological Survey’s (USGS) Alaska Regional Executive DOI on the Landscape initiative, USGS’s Changing Arctic Ecosystems and Science Support initiatives and Wildlife Program of the USGS Ecosystem Mission Area, and the National Science Foundation (NSF1258010). Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. US Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99508, USA

    Andrew G. Hope & Sandra L. Talbot

  2. Department of Biology, City College of New York, Marshak Science Building 814, 160 Convent Ave, New York 10031, New York, USA

    Eric Waltari

  3. US Fish and Wildlife Service, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, 101 12th Ave, Rm 236, Fairbanks, Alaska 99701, USA

    David C. Payer

  4. Museum of Southwestern Biology and Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA

    Joseph A. Cook

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Contributions

A.G.H., J.A.C., E.W. and S.L.T. conceived the study, collected and provided samples, and performed genetic laboratory work. A.G.H and E.W. compiled data, designed and performed analyses. D.C.P. managed aspects of policy and land-use. S.L.T., A.G.H., J.A.C., and D.C.P. secured funding. A.G.H. led writing. All authors discussed the results and implications and contributed to writing the manuscript at all stages.

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Correspondence to Andrew G. Hope.

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The authors declare no competing financial interests.

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Hope, A., Waltari, E., Payer, D. et al. Future distribution of tundra refugia in northern Alaska. Nature Clim Change 3, 931–938 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1038/nclimate1926

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