We share our planet with countless essential creatures – mammals. They come in all shapes and sizes, roaming our cities, farms and lonely villages, in different climates around the world.
Have you ever wondered what influences where these mammals choose to live? Recent research from North Carolina State University has the answer.
The undisputed heavyweight champion in determining where mammals can thrive is found not in human activity, but in Mother Nature. The climate still calls the shots.
Climate affects mammal habitats
Roland Kays is the lead author of this study, a research professor at NC State and scientist at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences.
He also led the colossal task of analyzing one of the most extensive collections of camera trap data ever, with contributions from across the United States.
“One of our ideas was that humans may have changed our landscape so much that we have become the primary determinants of where animals live,” Kays said.
“What we found was that actually people weren’t the most important thing. Climate, including temperature and rainfall, was the most important factor in most of the species we observed.”
People versus habitat
However, do not think that our actions are insignificant. Large population centers and agriculture strongly influence where some species choose to live.
“There are many species that do well when people are around. The eastern gray squirrel, for example, is the most common squirrel in Raleigh, and does great around people. But there is another species called the eastern fox squirrel, and it does well around agriculture, but not so well around people,” Kays explained.
“We can see those differences in many other species. The snow hare is bad for both people and agriculture. This study allows us to see which species are sensitive to our impacts and which ones benefit from them.”
Mammal distribution map
The study provided a unique opportunity to create detailed maps that predict the distribution of different mammal species across the United States.
By analyzing environmental factors and habitat preferences, the researchers were able to delineate different areas of the country into distinct ‘ecoregions’.
These ecoregions reflect the variety of ecosystems present and are important for understanding how mammal populations are affected by geographic and climatic variations.
Traditionally, ‘ecoregions’ have been used to categorize areas based on plant life, but this innovative approach marks the first time it has been applied to mammal populations, highlighting the interconnectedness of flora and fauna in maintaining ecological balance.
Climate change and mammals
Professor Kays explains how this works, using the example of the Eastern Deciduous Forest. The area is classified according to how common certain trees are, forming an ecoregion.
Similarly, we can now do this with mammalian species. The findings show striking similarities, with more rainfall leading to more plants and more food for animals, resulting in higher mammal abundance.
Understanding the importance of climate in mammalian habitat selection is essential in predicting and mitigating the impacts of climate change on these populations.
As our planet warms, the places where animals can live will change. It will also affect things like rainfall and plant growth – factors that our mammalian neighbors depend on.
Conservation strategies
To address these changing challenges, conservation strategies must focus on strengthening mammal populations.
This can include creating wildlife corridors that allow species to migrate as their habitats change, preserving and restoring critical ecosystems, and implementing policies that reduce human impacts on these environments.
Collaborative efforts between scientists, policy makers and local communities are vital in shaping initiatives that protect both biodiversity and human interests.
By fostering a deeper understanding of mammal distribution patterns in relation to climate, we can work towards sustainable solutions that benefit both wildlife and the people who share their landscapes.
In short, this study highlights how intertwined mammalian life is with climate. As we prepare to face the challenges of rising global temperatures, we must keep our furry friends in mind. Their survival depends on our understanding of their habitats and our willingness to take sustainable action.
The study is published in the journal Diversity and Distributions.
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