Parks can save birds as climate changes

British researchers say retaining a network of wildlife conservation areas is vital if African bird species are to be saved from climate change effects.

The Durham University-led scientists said up to 90 percent of sub-Saharan Africa’s bird species will be affected by climate change. The research team, including scientists from BirdLife International and BirdLife in the UK, said the study’s findings suggest an urgent need to protect ecosystems and key wildlife areas in Africa and also showed the importance of so-called green corridors to help wildlife move to new climatically suitable areas.

The team led by Stephen Willis and David Hole from the university’s School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences used simulations to see how birds might be affected during coming decades under a scenario of moderate climate change.

We looked at bird species across the whole network of protected areas in Africa and the results show wildlife conservation areas will be essential for the future survival of many species of birds, Willis said.

The findings also showed some species might even become extinct unless new populations can be established in climatically suitable sites.

The study appears in the journal Ecology Letters.