Vulnerability of elevation-restricted endemic birds of the Cordillera de Talamanca (Costa Rica and Panama) to climate change

Endemic birds in the Cordillera de Talamanca, a global biodiversity hotspot spanning Costa Rica and Panama, face significant range contractions by 2070 due to climate change. Using eBird community science data and Maxent modeling, researchers predicted that these elevation-restricted species could lose 15% to 40% of their habitat under moderate to severe climate scenarios (RCP 2.6 to RCP 8.5). Most species' current ranges are already within protected areas, highlighting the growing importance of conservation efforts in these regions. The study underscores urgent needs for better population monitoring and vigilance to mitigate threats to these vulnerable species.

Liu, Z., Sandoval, L., Sherman, L. B., & Wilson, A. M. (2023). Vulnerability of elevation-restricted endemic birds of the Cordillera de Talamanca (Costa Rica and Panama) to climate change. Neotropical Biodiversity, 9(1), 115–127. https://doi.org/10.1080/23766808.2023.2261196