Climate-adapted planning is needed for floodplain biodiversity

What the study found: The abstract says current protected floodplains in Switzerland do not provide enough habitat and refugia, which are places where species can survive changing conditions, for typical floodplain species. It also says climate-adapted conservation planning is needed and should include new areas.

Why the authors say this matters: The authors conclude that conservation efforts for floodplain species should take changing climate into account, especially for sessile organisms, meaning species that stay in one place. They also suggest that distinguishing refugia from short-term sanctuaries can help plan future habitat protection.

What the researchers tested: The study used species distribution models, which are models that forecast where species may occur, based on occurrence records from national and international databases and environmental predictors. It also refers to hydrological models at the reach scale for the Rhine in Germany and a case study of a floodplain protected for 30 years.

What worked and what didn't: Modelled predictions for floodplain organisms and communities suggest that existing protected floodplains in Switzerland are insufficient for typical floodplain species. Hydrological predictions indicate that drought-related changes in water availability are likely to reduce habitat for floodplain plant communities at the local scale, while the protected floodplain case study showed that protected areas can promote floodplain biodiversity and provide refuge for specialised terrestrial species.

What to keep in mind: The abstract does not give detailed limitations of the models or case studies. It also focuses on floodplain systems in Switzerland and the Rhine in Germany, so the stated findings are specific to those settings.

Key points

• Current protected floodplains in Switzerland are described as insufficient for typical floodplain species.
• The authors say conservation planning should include new areas and account for changing climate.
• Species distribution models were used to forecast future species distributions from occurrence data and environmental predictors.
• Hydrological models suggest drought-related water changes may reduce habitat for floodplain plant communities at the local scale.
• A 30-year protected floodplain case study suggested protected areas can support floodplain biodiversity and refuge for specialised terrestrial species.