Identification of faunal indicators of climate in a Himalayan transect to assess climate change

Abstract

Abstract The consequences of climate change on species and ecosystems are evident, and the landscape of Nepal does not remain unaffected. As the Himalayan region is climate sensitive, even a tiny fluctuation in climate can markedly affect numerous species and their habitats. Moreover, the Himalayan region is inhabited by some of the most threatened and endangered biodiversity on Earth, including habitat specialists and endemic species, which may accelerate the extinction of some species. Hence, species affected by climate change should be monitored and identified as faunal indicators of climate change. We compared studies conducted by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) and World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF‒Hariyo Ban Program). First, we identified the common and overlapping species. Second, we identified the critical species for climate monitoring based on habitat range, elevation, role as habitat specialist/generalist, and impact observed in previous studies. We examined the relationships of mammals and birds with their habitat. Species with a long-life span, specialist habitat type, and short home range are exposed to climate change for extended periods, making them more vulnerable. In particular, our results demonstrate that the one-horned rhinoceros, snow leopard, and pika, being habitat specialists, experience a high impact owing to climate change and can be used as indicators of climate change. Similarly, migratory birds, such as the large-billed leaf warbler and blue-capped rock thrush, and residential birds (e.g., pheasant) can signal climate change because of their home range being at higher elevations. Despite these analyses, specific species-based study regarding the impact of climate change is still lacking. Therefore, every species must be assessed for climate change sensitivity to facilitate global wildlife protection.