In the
Alps,
the
melting of glaciers
due to
climate change
also threatens
biodiversity
: at risk are above all the aquatic invertebrates that live in the cold Alpine rivers, which play a key role within this ecosystem and which will face a massive loss
of their habitats
.
This is indicated by the study led by the British Universities of Essex and Leeds, in which Italy also participated with the Museum of Sciences of Trento.
The research, published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution, underlines the need for new conservation strategies: some species, for example, will have to be moved to higher altitudes, since they are unable to do so on their own.
“We used data collected over
25 years of studies on Alpine streams
”, Valeria Lencioni, a Muse researcher and co-author of the study, told ANSA.
“Thanks to the development of models like ours, which integrate glaciology, hydrology and ecology, it is now possible to analyze aquatic communities under increasing stress in mountain systems around the world.
These prospects - adds the researcher - must be exploited urgently to adapt the conservation of freshwater in the face of climate change in progress".
The researchers, led by Martin Wilkes of the University of Essex and Jonathan Carrivick of the University of Leeds, have mapped the distribution of 15 species of invertebrates (mainly insects) throughout the Alps. Forecasts between now and 2100 indicate that many species among flies, midges and worms will disappear from current areas and seek colder conditions in the higher parts of the mountain range.
However, these same areas will also become priorities for skiing, tourism and the development of hydroelectric plants.
"The biggest challenge at a global level is to stop global warming which, in the mountains, mainly manifests itself with the retreat and disappearance of glaciers and permafrost", comments Lencioni.
"Conservation strategies for glacial habitats must be adapted, including potential refuges for endangered species among those to be protected".