TBNClimate
Rising seas could reshape habitats for more than 40% of world’s land vertebrates
Publication: Conservation news
Authors: Isabel Esterman, Carolyn Cowan
Source published: 11/11/2026, 02:01:22 UTC
Briefing created: 11/11/2026, 02:36:05 UTC
Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 11/11/2026, 02:24:24 UTC.
Briefings
A new study published in Science estimates that 42% of terrestrial land vertebrates could lose habitat to rising seas by 2100, affecting between 14,325 and 15,324 species depending on climate scenarios. The research overlaid habitat suitability maps for 34,120 land vertebrates against IPCC climate projections, revealing that reptiles face nearly double the habitat loss of birds or mammals. Only 5.9% of examined species are currently classified as at risk from climate change, highlighting a significant gap between projected exposure and current conservation status.
Key points
- 42% of terrestrial land vertebrates could lose habitat to rising seas by 2100, affecting 14,325-15,324 species depending on climate scenarios.
- Reptiles face nearly double the habitat loss of birds or mammals, with 36% of reptiles likely affected compared to 24% of amphibians.
Context
This research, published in Science, uses 34,120 land vertebrate species mapped against five IPCC climate scenarios to project future habitat loss. It is critical for conservation planning as it identifies which parts of habitats will remain above water, informing strategies for amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
Limitations
The study relies on existing IUCN Red List assessments for risk classification and IPCC scenario data; specific local impacts are not detailed. Coverage is limited to land vertebrates, excluding marine species, and projections remain based on current climate models rather than verified future conditions.
Generated by Bittrees-hosted qwen35-2b sha256:aaf42c8b7c3c on 11/11/2026, 02:36:05 UTC. Based on publisher-provided feed evidence; may not cover the full original article. Check the source for details.
View archived briefing on IPFS
bafybeib4i4yqcltg2tim7ucbauchd4m7bxyyrw47ropjtquk6pwseqabyy