Impact of climate change on the activity phases of animals using the example of amphibians in Austria and the use of plant phenology as an indicator
Abstract
Both animals and plants are controlled in their development and their rhythm of life by external influences. Especially temperature, precipitation and photoperiod have a major influence. Against the backdrop of a changing climate, it is becoming increasingly difficult to predict start and end time of activity phases of the animals. In addition, changes in the demographics of the populations and in the choice of areas are expected. Using the example of the ectothermic species group of amphibians, it is examined, whether the activity times are already changing towards an earlier start of migration periods, by analyzing herpetological long-term data and climate data. In addition, the possible utilisation of plantphenological phases as an indicator for amphibian activity is tested. Therefore phenological long-term data are analyzed and possible links with the herpetological data are checked. The results will contribute to a better understanding of the impact of climate change on the life stages of amphibians. Using plants as an indicator of the onset of migrant times or seasonal movement, activity phases of the animals could also be better assessed and any protective measures (for example, temporary amphibian protection systems) are temporally better coordinated. With positive results, an expansion of studies on other species groups is conceivable.
amphibian plant phenology climate change
Publikationen
Project staff
Christiane Brandenburg
Ao.Univ.Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.nat.techn. Christiane Brandenburg
christiane.brandenburg@boku.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 47654-85312
Project Leader
01.07.2016 - 30.06.2017
Birgit Gantner
Dipl.-Ing. Birgit Gantner
birgit.gantner@boku.ac.at
Project Staff
01.07.2016 - 30.06.2017
Erich Mursch-Radlgruber
Ao.Univ.Prof.i.R. Dr.phil. Erich Mursch-Radlgruber
erich.mursch-radlgruber@boku.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 47654-81426
Project Staff
01.07.2016 - 30.06.2017