“Climate Trumps Human Activity in Determining Mammal Habitats, Study Finds: Implications for Wildlife in a Changing World”

The study conducted by researchers at North Carolina State University has revealed that climate is the most influential factor in determining where mammals can thrive, despite the significant impact of human activity on the natural world. Lead author Roland Kays and his team collected data on 25 mammal species from over 6,600 locations across the United States, making it one of the largest camera trap data analyses ever conducted.

Contrary to their initial hypothesis, the researchers found that climate, including temperature and rainfall, was the primary factor influencing mammal habitat choice. While human activity such as urbanization and agriculture did play a role in shaping mammal populations, it was not as significant as climate. Some species, like the Eastern gray squirrel, thrived in the presence of humans, while others, like the snowshoe hare, struggled.

By creating maps that predict the distribution of mammal species across the contiguous U.S. and dividing the country into ecoregions based on mammal populations, the researchers were able to identify patterns in mammal abundance that mirrored those of plant distribution. This new approach provides a valuable tool for predicting the impacts of climate change on mammal populations, as rising temperatures and shifting precipitation levels will undoubtedly affect where animals can live and thrive.

The findings of this study, published in Diversity and Distributions, highlight the importance of considering climate factors in future mammal population management decisions. By understanding how climate influences mammal habitat choice, conservation efforts can be better tailored to ensure the long-term survival of various species in the face of a changing climate.