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Researchers try to spell out a rational plan for so-called assisted colonization in the face of climate change

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — As global warming causes ever-greater disruption to plants and animals, conservation biologists are having serious discussions about how and when to relocate species so they they can survive for the long-term.

If society values them enough, some species threatened by climate disruption could benefit from immediate relocation, especially small and vulnerable populations that need time to grow before risking translocation losses, an international group of researchers wrote in a climate change journal article published this week.

The paper is an effort at creating a pragmatic framework for deciding when, if ever, to move species in the face of climate change. University of Queensland and United States Geological Survey researchers also contributed to the research.

“As our climate changes more rapidly than species can adapt or disperse, natural resource managers increasingly want to know what adaptation options are available to help them conserve biodiversity,” said Dr. Eve McDonald-Madden, of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization.

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