Observed shifts
Warmer winters, altered precipitation, and extreme events shift species ranges and phenology (flowering time). Some alpine and arctic species face range contraction.
Mechanisms
- Temperature limits migration of cold-adapted species
- Fire regimes change with drought frequency
- Invasive species exploit disturbed post-fire landscapes
Conservation responses
Seed banking, assisted migration (controversial), habitat corridor protection, and monitoring long-term plots (LTREB networks) document change scientifically.