Climate change and migratory species: a review of impacts, conservation actions, indicators and ecosystem services.

​Part 1 documents a review of literature which was carried out to identify the impacts of climate change on each group of migratory species listed on CMS Appendix I and Appendix II. A range of climate change threats on migratory species were identified, research gaps identified and potential conservation responses outlined. 

Part 2 summarises the results of a literature review of conservation interventions that have previously been employed on migratory species in the context of climate change. Key considerations for the conservation of migratory species are outlined, providing examples of studies that have demonstrated these. Additionally, an assessment was undertaken of climate change indicators created since 2009, and those with potential to assess climate change impacts on migratory species were identified.

Part 3 summarises a review of the potential roles migratory species can have as key components of ecosystems, particularly through providing nature-based solutions related to climate change. It highlights examples where the conservation of migratory species may also contribute to wider benefits for people and ecosystems, to help decision makers begin to consider these issues in a cross-cutting and holistic way. 

Notes

The study ‘Climate change and migratory species: a review of impacts, conservation actions, indicators and ecosystem services’ was commissioned by the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland through the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) as a major contribution to the work of CMS on climate change and prepared by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO).