Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES This project has two parts: •to identify a set of (indicator) species whose attributes can act as indicators of likely climate change impacts on the range of migratory species; and •to develop standardised international protocols for monitoring the effects of climate change on populations of these migratory indicator species ISSUES AND SCOPE This research requirement is of particular relevance to the Department’s responsibilities as a party to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) and its associated regional agreements. The contractor will need to take account of this in undertaking the work. CMS seeks to conserve endangered and vulnerable migratory species by prohibiting their capture or killing; and to facilitate their long-term survival by endeavouring to remove obstacles that hinder migration; protect habitats; and lessen the impact of non-indigenous species. Migratory species are considered important as they can act as linkages between ecosystems, and therefore can be indicators of ecological change. The eighth Conference of CMS parties received a report from the UK on the strength of links between climate change and migratory species’ behaviour, abundance and distribution and passed a resolution on climate change, which amongst other things, called for more research on the subject. A copy of the report can be located at http://defraweb/wildlife-countryside/resprog/findings/climatechange-migratory/index.htm The report recommended that indicator species be identified to provide information on the condition of sites and migratory routes used by a range of migratory species. It also identified the need for standardised protocols for data collection and monitoring of climate-change impacts on migratory species, so that information across all range states can be directly compared and combined. This project seeks to take forward those two issues, which in turn will help CMS, its subsidiary daughter agreements, their party states and others play a more active part in addressing the threats to migratory species from climate change.
United Kingdom