ClimSHIFT · Replaying the ecological tape: Predicting CLIMate-driven SHifts In past and Future species' distribuTion limits?

Climate change is driving significant shifts in species distributions globally, yet our ability to predict these changes remains limited. Only 47% of assessed species are moving towards cooler regions as expected, while others have remained static or shifted towards warmer areas. This variability poses a critical challenge for biodiversity conservation. The ClimSHIFT project aims to revolutionise our understanding of species' climate-driven range shifts by applying state-of-the-art mechanistic niche models across a large dataset of over 1000 bird species. We will address three key research objectives: WP1) Identify biological traits influencing species' adaptability to changing climates. WP2) Assess if species are tracking previously unrealised climatic tolerances, by developing accurate predictive models based on species' fundamental climate tolerances. WP3) Generate improved forecasts of future avian biodiversity patterns, highlighting periods and areas of synchronised range contractions and ecological disruption. This project represents the first such global-scale assessment of distribution response to climate change using species' fundamental physiological limits to predict range shifts. By combining cutting-edge methodologies with an extensive dataset, ClimSHIFT aims to significantly advance our ability to forecast and mitigate climate change impacts on biodiversity. Our findings will have far-reaching implications for conservation planning and ecosystem management. We will provide essential information for targeted conservation efforts by identifying vulnerable species and potential future habitats. The novel frameworks developed can be adapted to other taxa, providing a more comprehensive understanding of ecosystem responses to global change. Ultimately, ClimSHIFT seeks to transform our approach to biodiversity conservation in a rapidly changing world, providing the scientific foundation needed to safeguard species and ecosystems for future generations.