| dc.description.abstract | Many biologists rely on environmental niche modeling to predict where species will migrate upon imminent climate changes. These coarse-scale approaches base species’ movements on variables such as temperature, habitat, and rainfall in their current ecosystems. The model, however, does not consider the animals’ metabolic rates, thermal range limits, niche competition, or other intrinsic physiological capabilities to tolerate changing climate. Environmental niche modeling also fails to consider the importance of microclimate acting as a buffer against regional climate change. This project entails the construction of a species’ traits-based matrix for Eastern North American Plethodontidae salamanders. Each species within this family is critically analyzed by elevation, latitude and longitude, critical thermal maximum, metabolic capacity, overall range area, and numerous other criteria. Based on the data collected from literature and Dr. Bernardo’s field research over the past several years, each animal will be scored and given an overall vulnerability assessment. By evaluating variables based on both species’ physiological limits and local environmental factors, the risk of endangerment as well as future range contractions can be more accurately predicted and managed. | en |
