La Mode Verte
Environmental Awareness Through Media ProductionsArchive for Alps
Mountains Provide Safe Haven for Species Affected by Global Warming
e360.yale.edu 9th November 2010
Quoted from source:
‘The habitat diversity of the planet’s mountain ranges may offer a safe haven for species threatened by the effects of climate change, according to a new study. Using infrared photography and sensors to monitor soil temperatures in Switzerland’s central Alps, researchers from the University of Basel found that slope exposure and the ruggedness of the alpine terrain “produce a broad spectrum of life conditions” not present in most ecosystems, creating “refuge habitats” for many species. Based on computer modeling, the researchers estimated that if temperatures increase 2 degrees C, only 3 percent of alpine habitat will become unsuitable for species in the region. The scientists said they were surprised by the high degree of temperature contrasts found in the Alps, and that the many micro-climates will enable species to migrate short distances and still find suitable habitat under a scenario of modest temperature increases. The study was published in the Journal of Biogeography.’
Anti-gravitational Goats
www.guardian.co.uk 3rd November 2010
Quoted from source:
‘These newly released pictures of Alpine ibex goats scaling the 160ft face of the Cingino Dam in northern Italy are fascinating, but not unusual. It’s a classic illustration of how well this species has adapted to its environment. Ibex spend their life climbing up mountains to graze; then, at a certain time of day, they climb down again. They get different foods this way. They go uphill because the grass is better there in the summer, while in the winter it is better below. Here, I think, they are licking the stone for its minerals and salts. At a lower level there’s plenty of grass, but they do need salts and minerals, and this must be a favourite place for them. The ibex have soft, split hooves that can grip like a pincer. Big and supple with shortish, powerful legs, they are very sure-footed and have good eyesight. In the north of Italy or the Alps, there are predators – their calves, for instance, are eaten by eagles – so they have to be on the lookout all the time.’
