Abstract
Idaho's ecosystems can be characterized in different ways, including a) resilience, a measure of human modification, diversity of microclimates, and ecological representativeness; b) connectivity and climate flow; and c) biodiversity value. Much of Idaho is considered resilient, with ecosystems that are connected, allow movement of species, and recognized for biodiversity value. Agricultural and urban areas in northern and southern Idaho are designated least resilient, less connected, and of less significance in terms of biodiversity value. Areas of biodiversity value within Idaho do not always overlap areas of climate resilience, which means adaptation options will help support and facilitate continued biodiversity. Most ecosystems are addressed elsewhere in the assessment; here we cover alpine ecosystems (i.e., locations above treeline). Climate change is expected to facilitate upward movement of treeline, thereby reducing alpine area. Some evidence for this upslope movement exists, but in some areas, movement is slower than predicted. Many Idaho species are covered in other assessment reports. This supplemental report focuses on significant species that may be impacted by climate change. Multiple plant and animal species, including those important to tribal communities, are expected to be impacted by climate change from warming, loss of snowpack, and shifting habitat. Some species will experience range shifts in response to climate change, either upward in elevation or northward in latitude.