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Abstract Detail



Bryological and Lichenological Section/ABLS

Allen, Jessica [1], Lendemer, James [2].

High-Elevation Endemics Lichens and Climate Change: A case study in the Southern Appalachians.

High elevation species worldwide are threatened by mountain top extinction, and the southern Appalachian Mountains, one of the most biologically diverse regions of North America, is no exception. Mountain top extinction in this region warrants considerable attention as it is a threat to many unique biological communities and species. Lichens are particularly abundant and diverse in the southern Appalachians, including a number of species that are narrowly endemic to the high elevations. In this study, we documented the current distributions of eight endemic lichens throughout the high elevations in the southern Appalachians and used niche modeling to predict how much suitable habitat will exist within their current ranges by 2050 and 2070. We located at least one previously undocumented population of each target species. Regardless of the climate model and carbon dioxide concentration used, the models predict over 90% suitable habitat loss for all species within their current ranges, and at least one model for each species predicted 100% suitable habitat loss. The results of this study provide ample foundation to pursue multiple avenues of research to better understand and conserve these highly threatened species.


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1 - The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx, New York, 10458, United States
2 - The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY, 10458, USA

Keywords:
Mountain Top Extinction
climate change
Niche Modeling
symbiosis
conservation.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Hall D/The Shaw Conference Centre
Date: Monday, July 27th, 2015
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PBR011
Abstract ID:1128
Candidate for Awards:None


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