CLIMATE CHANGE. Climate change impacts on bumblebees converge across continents

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Climate Change Biology
• Zoology

Background:

• Global climate change is driving significant alterations in species' geographical distributions.
• Poleward range expansion is a documented response, but trailing edge dynamics are less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate climate change-driven range shifts in bumblebee species across Europe and North America.
• To analyze changes at both northern and southern range limits, as well as elevational movements.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 110 years of long-term observational data for bumblebee species.
• Examined range shifts across full latitudinal and thermal limits and along elevation gradients.

Main Results:

• Observed consistent, cross-continental trends of species failing to track warming at northern range limits.
• Documented range losses from southern limits and upward elevational shifts for southern species.
• These patterns were independent of land use and pesticide application changes.

Conclusions:

• Species' range dynamics are complex, with differential responses at leading and trailing edges.
• Climate change impacts necessitate evaluating both latitudinal and thermal limits for accurate conservation planning.
• Understanding range shifts is crucial for predicting species' vulnerability and informing conservation strategies.