Climate change threatens Africa's biodiversity: A wake-up call for protected areas!

Climate change threatens Africa's biodiversity: A wake-up call for protected areas!

In recent years, climate change has had drastic impacts on Africa's biodiversity, particularly in mountainous regions and protected areas. A recent study led by Prof. Dr. Christine Schmitt from the University of Passau and Dr. João de Deus Vidal Jr. from the University of Leipzig reveals that plant species in African mountains migrate to higher altitudes three times faster than the global average. These changes are worrying because they affect the ability of some species to find suitable habitats independently, the researchers report on the University of Passau website.

Endemic plant species that already occur at the highest altitudes are particularly affected. The study develops species distribution models taking into account environmental factors, dispersal capacities and climate variables until the end of the century. Projections show that almost half of plant species could lose suitable habitats even if global warming stays below 2°C. In high emission scenarios, this value will increase to around three quarters, especially for species at higher altitudes. Trees and shrubs that are more resilient will cope better with the new conditions, while some tree species will dramatically increase their risk of extinction.

Climate change and land use

In addition to changes in the mountains, land use is also a decisive factor for the climate in Africa. A team from the University of Würzburg has investigated how slash-and-burn agriculture and intensive livestock farming affect the natural vegetation and soil in many African regions. These changes, which could lead to a temperature increase of up to 4°C and a fall in precipitation of up to 500 mm per year by 2050, contribute about a third of global warming and are exacerbating drier conditions on the continent. Cultivated products in tropical West Africa are particularly affected, as they could experience a yield decline of up to 25% without irrigation during critical dry periods.

The combination of climate change and land use changes not only impacts plants, but also threatens the entire biodiversity in Africa's protected areas, as described in a study by Senckenberg and Stellenbosch University. The simulations show that biodiversity is at risk in almost all protected areas by the end of the 21st century. The so-called “Big Five” of Africa's wildlife symbolize the rich animal life, but the study results make it clear that the pressure from climate change, population growth and land use changes not only threatens the large animals, but also the entire flora and fauna.

Need for action and strategies

All protected areas in Africa are threatened by at least one of these factors. West Africa in particular is facing major challenges due to the combination of climatic changes and increasing population numbers. Preserving biological diversity requires a deep understanding of socio-economic and ecological conditions. Conservation strategies must therefore be adapted regionally and locally.

In summary, the findings of the studies show that without targeted measures to restore and connect habitats, the effects of climate change on biodiversity in Africa could continue to reach dramatic proportions. The need to guide species migration and protect biotopes is becoming increasingly urgent. This requires international cooperation and long-term planning to preserve Africa's unique ecosystems for future generations.