A framework to quantify the vulnerability of insular biota to global change
Résumé
The majority of vulnerability assessments of biodiversity to global changes have so far being designed for mainland systems, overlooking islands. However, islands harbour unique biodiversity and are epicentres of ongoing extinctions. We thus introduce a new framework for quantifying the vulnerability of terrestrial insular biota to multiple threats. This framework uses markers of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity that reflect the unique characteristics of island biodiversity, from population to island levels. Our framework involves five steps: (1) identifying the scope of the vulnerability assessment, (2) selecting the most appropriate markers, (3) computing the vulnerability metric, (4) evaluating uncertainties, and (5) providing recommendations for conservation. We discuss the need and urgency to deploy this framework to guide evidence-based decisions for the conservation of insular biodiversity and for an improved attention to insular biota at the science-policy interface.
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RIVAGE Opinion Vuln of islands to GChange14 (1).pdf (1.26 Mo)
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