Indicator Specification

Distribution of animal species

Indicator Specification

Indicator codes: CLIM 024

Published 08 Sep 2008 Last modified 03 Feb 2017

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This is an old version, kept for reference only.

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Topics: Biodiversity — Ecosystems Climate change adaptation

This page was archived on 03 Feb 2017 with reason: No more updates will be done

Latitudinal shifts in northern range margins in the United Kingdom for selected groups of animal species over the past 40 years Impact of climate change on populations of European birds, 1980-2005 Projected impact of climate change on the potential distribution of reptiles and amphibians in 2050

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Update planned for November 2012

Assessment versions

Published (reviewed and quality assured)

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Rationale

Justification for indicator selection

The northward shift in distribution of animal species has a range of potential consequences for agriculture (livestock and crops), human health, as well as for biodiversity and its conservation (Sparks et al., 2007). The distribution of many animal species will be particularly affected by climate change if landscape fragmentation impedes their movement to more suitable climatic conditions. This will also affect the ability of Europe to meet its biodiversity target (above). In addition, warmer conditions, particularly warmers winters, are allowing the establishment of new pest species such as the European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis), American bollworm (Heliothis armigera), gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) and some migratory moths and butterflies. Health risks associated with vector-borne diseases are linked to invasions of species such as ticks and mosquitoes.

Scientific references

No rationale references available

Indicator definition

Latitudinal shifts in northern range margins in the United Kingdom for selected groups of animal species over the past 40 years
Impact of climate change on populations of European birds, 1980-2005
Projected impact of climate change on the potential distribution of reptiles and amphibians in 2050

Units

http://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/eea_report_2008_4/pp111-148CC2008_ch5-7to9_Terrestrial_ecosystems_soil_and_agriculture.pdf

Policy context and targets

Context description

In April 2009 the European Commission presented a White Paper on the framework for adaptation policies and measures to reduce the European Union's vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. The aim is to increase the resilience to climate change of health, property and the productive functions of land, inter alia by improving the management of water resources and ecosystems. More knowledge is needed on climate impact and vulnerability but a considerable amount of information and research already exists which can be shared better through a proposed Clearing House Mechanism. The White Paper stresses the need to mainstream adaptation into existing and new EU policies. A number of Member States have already taken action and several have prepared national adaptation plans. The EU is also developing actions to enhance and finance adaptation in developing countries as part of a new post-2012 global climate agreement expected in Copenhagen (Dec. 2009). For more information see: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/climat/adaptation/index_en.htm