Invertebrates
Invertebrates
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An agent-based simulation approach to test how species’ migratory and wintering ranges might be strained and shifted under an increasingly variable and extreme climate
Animal migration over the North American continent is contingent in many ways on the predictability of weather conditions along the route. Yet, climate projections suggest that seasonal patterns in temperature, pressure, and precipitation are likely to change. For iconic migratory species, such as the Monarch Butterfly, these climatic changes could undercut their ability to maintain...
Future of Species Range Shifts: Do warm-adapted plants provide better benefits to pollinators under climate change?
Pollinators are essential for biodiversity and agricultural production, which underlies the sense of urgency to protect declining populations and support their range shifts under climate change. A large proportion of pollinator conservation efforts are based on planting ‘pollinator friendly’ flowering plants. However, these efforts have largely overlooked climate-smart initiatives that...
Biotic and Abiotic Drivers of the Prevalence of the Gulf Coast Tick and an Associated Vector Borne Disease in Arizona
Project Overview Recently discovered in Arizona, the Gulf Coast tick has the potential to transmit a bacterial spotted fever to both humans and animals. Though it is possible that it was present in the region, yet undetected, researchers supported by this Southwest CASC project aim to study the presence of the Gulf Coast tick in Arizona by capturing and monitoring the health of birds...
Habitat Evaluation Framework for Eastern Hellbender Recovery in Western North Carolina Post-Hurricane Helene
Project Overview: Hurricane Helene caused widespread damage to homes, infrastructure, and wildlife habitat in western North Carolina. Resulting disruptions to stream ecosystems have threatened species like the eastern hellbender, a fully aquatic salamander and key indicator of stream health. Scientists supported by this Southeast CASC project will compile and evaluate pre-storm habitat...
Developing Methods to Manage an Invasive Ant at Midway Atoll
Project Overview A new Trichomyrmex ant was first observed at Midway Atoll in 2019 and has caused management concerns due to its impacts on wildlife, endangered plants, and infrastructure since its arrival. Researchers supported by this Pacific Islands CASC project will map the range of the ant and test the effectiveness of using pesticidal baits to eradicate this destructive and...
Evaluating Insect Pollinator Vulnerability to Climate Change in the Southeast and US Caribbean
Project Overview Many insect pollinator species in the southeastern US and the US Caribbean, including bees and butterflies, face increasing threats from climate change, but few have been assessed for their vulnerability to these threats. This leaves wildlife managers without crucial information for conservation planning. Researchers supported by this Southeast CASC project will work...
Identifying the Environmental Limits of Aquatic Species in Prairie Streams to Build Climate Resilience
Project Overview Climate change and human activities are threatening many sensitive aquatic species in prairie streams across the Great Plains region. Researchers supported by this North Central CASC project will combine and analyze data collected independently by Great Plains states to identify thresholds of environmental change that may lead to species loss and changes in aquatic...
Relieving the Sting: Spatial Prioritization for Pollinator Conservation Under a Changing Climate
Project Overview The Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, and other native bees and pollinators, are declining due to climate change, habitat loss, and other stressors like pathogens and pesticide-use. Researchers supported by this Midwest CASC project will study how certain stressors interact to affect the geographic distribution of Rusty Patched Bumble Bees, using mapping techniques and future...
Forecasting the Future of Ongeim’l Tketau (Jellyfish Lake), Palau in a Changing Climate
Palau’s Jellyfish Lake, locally known as Ongeim’l Tketau (OTM), is an iconic tourism site and an important area of biodiversity. This landlocked marine lake is part of the Rock Island Southern Lagoon UNESCO World Heritage Site, representing an expression of Palauan national pride, and has brought in millions of dollars to the local Koror State economy. OTM is also home to the unique...
Intermittent Stream Risk Assessment: Mapping Patterns of Stream Drying and Identifying Vulnerabilities of Stream Fish and Crayfish Communities to Drying
Small creeks and streams often dry out during the summer but still support many insects, fish, crayfish, and plants. Though intermittent streams are the most common type of flowing water across the globe, not much is known about which, how, why, or when streams dry or about how patterns of drying affect species in these habitats. More information about patterns of stream drying can help...
Reducing Wildfire Risk While Maintaining Critical Monarch Habitat Along the California Coast
The California Coast has hundreds of tree groves where dual management practices aim to reduce the risk of fire and to conserve habitat for overwintering monarch butterflies. As the climate changes, longer high-intensity droughts can increase mortality and/or limb loss in grove trees which causes an accumulation of fire-prone fuels. Moreover, these trees provide the critical habitat for
Synthesizing the Responses and Vulnerabilities of Freshwater Invertebrates to Droughts and Heavy Precipitation in the Midwest
The Midwest United States is facing wetter winters and springs and more variable precipitation in the summer and fall. Heavy floods and prolonged droughts are costly to agriculture, housing, transportation infrastructure, and recreational opportunities across the region. These extremes also stress the health of freshwater ecosystems that are important to the regional economy and quality...