Determining Landscape Connectivity and Climate Change Refugia Across the Sierra Nevada

Speakers: Toni Lyn Morelli and Sean P. Maher, Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley

Description: This project will use species distribution modeling, population genetics, and geospatial analysis of historical vs. modern vertebrate populations to identify climate change refugia and population connectivity across the Sierra Nevada. It is hypothesized that climate change refugia will increase persistence and stability of populations and, as a result, maintain higher genetic diversity. This work will help managers assess the need to include connectivity and refugia in climate change adaptation strategies. Results will help Sierra Nevada land managers allocate limited resources, aid future scenario assessment at landscape scales, and develop a performance measure for assessing resilience.

Link to recording

Link to CA LCC Event Page