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CONSERVATION PRIORITIES

Cold-water species need warm water too

Climate change vulnerability assessments of cold-water species have focused on protecting cold summer habitats in high-elevation streams. Now, a study shows that seasonally warm rivers can provide the majority of growth potential for cold-water fishes, unveiling a notable blind spot in freshwater climate research and planning.

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Fig. 1: Seasonably warm habitats are important for supporting cold-water species.

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Correspondence to Clint C. Muhlfeld.

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Muhlfeld, C.C. Cold-water species need warm water too. Nat. Clim. Chang. 11, 297–299 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-021-01013-w

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