Author:
Hayes Matthew P.,Ashe-Jepson Esme,Hitchcock Gwen E.,Clark Ryan,Hellon Josh,Knock Richard I.,Bladon Andrew J.,Turner Edgar C.
Abstract
AbstractClimate change is set to become one of the leading causes of biodiversity loss worldwide, with extreme weather events projected to increase in frequency. Ectothermic animals such as insects are at particular risk, especially when they are isolated and unable to move through the landscape to track suitable climate. To protect such taxa, it is important to understand how they are impacted by extreme weather events and whether management could provide effective microclimate refuges. However, potential management interventions remain untested for many species. Here, we show that the extreme high temperatures experienced in the UK on 19th July 2022 resulted in a community of butterflies becoming inactive, but that shaded areas, including artificial slopes created as part of conservation management for climate change, provided a refuge during this period. Our results indicate that future high temperatures could force butterflies to shelter in the shade, potentially being unable to fly, feed or mate during these periods, with possible long-term impacts, particularly if multiple consecutive high temperature days are experienced.
Funder
David and Claudia Harding Foundation Harding Distinguished Postgraduate Scholarship
Cambridge Conservation Initiative Evolution Education Trust Knowledge-Exchange Studentship
Peoples Postcode Lottery Nature-based Solutions Fund
The Isaac Newton Trust/Wellcome Trust ISSF/University of Cambridge Joint Research Grants Scheme
NERC Highlight Topic GLiTRS Project
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Insect Science,Nature and Landscape Conservation,Animal Science and Zoology,Ecology