Climate Change Refugia as a Tool for Climate Adaptation

The concept of refugia has been discussed from theoretical and paleontological perspectives to address how populations persisted during periods of unfavorable climate. Recently, several studies have applied the idea to contemporary landscapes to identify locations that are buffered from climate change effects so as to favor greater persistence of valued resources relative to other areas. Refugia are now being discussed among natural resource agencies as a potential adaptation option in the face of anthropogenic climate change. Under funding from the California Landscape Conservation Cooperative, we worked with state and federal scientists and natural resource managers to get closer to developing a process to implement climate change refugia as a tool for climate adaptation. Using survey and genetic data from Belding’s ground squirrel (Urocitellus beldingi) populations in California, we tested whether particular montane meadows are acting as refugia. We also analyzed the connectivity among these sites. At each step of the research, we worked with managers to ensure the research would have the best impact. Although no panacea, climate change refugia could be important tools for prioritizing habitats for management intervention in order to conserve populations, including genetic diversity and evolutionary potential.