Sea level rise shifts habitat for endangered Florida Keys species

The Impact of Sea Level Rise on the Endangered Silver Rice Rat

Introduction

The silver rice rat, an endangered species endemic to the Florida Keys, relies on its proximity to the shoreline for easy access to its low-tide marine species diet.

Research Findings

A team of scientists at the University of Florida conducted a study to examine the movement of silver rice rats in correlation with historical tidal data over a period of 17 years. The researchers discovered that as the sea level rose by 0.142 meters between 2004 and 2021, the rats shifted to higher ground at a slightly greater rate than the observed rise in sea level.

Factors Influencing Movement

The researchers attribute the rats’ movement to various factors. Firstly, the fluctuating sea level rise from year to year plays a role. Additionally, the occurrence of Hurricane Irma in 2017 facilitated an upward push of coastal species, including the silver rice rat.

Research Methodology

The study was initiated in 2019 by Paul Taillie and Robert McCleery in response to concerns raised by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) regarding the status of the endangered species after Hurricane Irma. The researchers collaborated with the USFWS, utilizing previously collected data on rice rat movements on one island in the Florida Keys. The rats were trapped and fitted with telemetry collars to track their movements.

Telemetry Challenges

Telemetry proved to be a challenging aspect of the research. Catching the rats and attaching collars to them was a complex task, and malfunctions such as collar detachment or antenna damage occurred. However, the researchers were able to overcome these challenges due to the predictable routine of the silver rice rats.

Impact of Sea Level Rise on Silver Rice Rats

The study revealed that while the silver rice rats can adapt to sea level rise to some extent, there are limits to their resilience. The rats are highly sensitive to changes in their environment and diet, as they inhabit a narrow band of the coastal zone. Without intervention, the researchers projected significant declines in available habitat for the rats in the coming decades.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water – The study highlights the vulnerability of coastal wildlife to sea level rise, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts to protect endangered species like the silver rice rat.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land – The research contributes to understanding the impact of environmental changes on terrestrial ecosystems and the need for sustainable management of coastal habitats.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 15: Life on Land

The article discusses the impact of sea level rise on the silver rice rat, an endangered species endemic to the Florida Keys. This highlights the connection to SDG 13, which focuses on climate action and addressing the impacts of climate change. Additionally, the article mentions the vulnerability of Florida’s unique coastal wildlife, emphasizing the relevance to SDG 15, which aims to protect and restore terrestrial ecosystems and halt biodiversity loss.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters
• SDG 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and prevent the extinction of threatened species

The article highlights the need to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards, such as sea level rise, as seen in the silver rice rat’s response to changes in elevation. This aligns with SDG 13.1. Additionally, the article emphasizes the vulnerability of the silver rice rat as an endangered species, indicating the importance of taking urgent action to prevent its extinction and protect its habitat, in line with SDG 15.5.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 13.1: Number of people and assets affected by climate-related hazards and disasters
• Indicator for SDG 15.5: Extent of species extinction risk and trends

The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators, but it provides information that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. For SDG 13.1, the number of people and assets affected by climate-related hazards and disasters can be measured by assessing the impact of sea level rise on the silver rice rat population and their habitat. For SDG 15.5, the extent of species extinction risk and trends can be evaluated by monitoring the response of the silver rice rat population to sea level rise and assessing their long-term survival prospects.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

The table summarizes the findings from analyzing the article, identifying the relevant SDGs, targets, and indicators. It highlights the connection between the article’s content and the specific goals, targets, and indicators related to climate action and life on land.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: sciencedaily.com

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.