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24 CLIMATE CHANGE ALBERTAS BIODIVERSITY CLIMATE CHANGE VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENTS Vulnerability assessments for a wide variety of Alberta species and taxonomic groups provide an overview of the relative risk to species from climate change and the factors influencing their capacity to respond to future conditions. Climate change vulnerability is the integra- tion of the expected exposure of a species to climate change its inherent sensitivity to altered climate and its capacity to adapt to possible change. Not all species will be equally vulnerable to climate change understanding which species are most vulnerable and what factors contribute to climate vulnerability is necessary to prioritize potential responses. Chris Shank and Amy Nixon 2014 used NatureServes Climate Change Vulnerability Index CCVI 23 to calculate a relative measure of vulnerability for 173 species of amphibians birds insects mammals and vascular plants to climate change over the next 40 years. Reptiles and amphibians were among the most climate vulnerable species largely because of their specific habitat requirements and inability to disperse through human-modified landscapes. In contrast birds were typically ranked as less vulnerable because of their excellent dispersal capabilities. Wide-ranging and common species like the Coyote were also ranked as lower vulnerability. Species-at-risk tended to be scored as being more vulnerable largely because of their restricted ranges and already small populations Fig. 6. This broad survey of climate vulnerability supported by relevant literature24 highlights key considerations for species management in a changing climate including the importance of introducing the effects of climate change into the assessment and management of species at risk25 addressing barriers to dispersal so species may be better able to move in response to the changing climate and the need for more detailed research into the potential responses of species to climate change including prediction of potential future habitat for species of particular interest or high vulnerability. 23 NatureServe Climate Change Vulnerability Index available at httpwww.natureserve.orgconservation-toolsclimate-change-vulnerability-index 24 For each species assessed detailed information is available at httpwww.biodiversityandclimate.abmi.caresources 25 Fish and Wildlife Division. 2008. Albertas Strategy for the Management of Species at Risk 2009-2014. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development Fish and Wildlife Division Edmonton AB 30pp. Available at httpesrd.alberta.cafish-wildlifespecies-at-riskdocumentsStrategyManagementSpeciesRisk2009-14.pdf