As concerns about the effects of global warming continue to mount, a new study published in the December issue of Physiological and Biochemical Zoology finds that an increase in average temperature of only two degrees Celsius could have a devastating effect on populations of Australia’s iconic kangaroos.
“Our study provides evidence that climate change has the capacity to cause large-scale range contractions, and the possible extinction of one macropodid (kangaroo) species in northern Australia,” write study authors Euan G. Ritchie and Elizabeth E. Bolitho of James Cook University in Australia.
Ritchie and Bolitho used computer modeling and three years of field observations to predict how temperature changes that are considered to be likely over the next half-century might affect four species of kangaroos. They found that a temperature increase as small as a half-degree Celsius may shrink kangaroos’ geographic ranges. An increase of two degrees may shrink kangaroos’ ranges by 48 percent. A six-degree increase might shrink ranges by 96 percent.
Gee, they sure seem to have survived just fine through the warming that occured due to the end of the Little Ice Age, and fine through the Global Climate Optimum, and simply fine throught the warmer and cooler periods before that. It’s not like they do not already live in an area that gets freaking hot as it is, eh, mate?
Doesn’t matter, because the Climahysterics have no idea what they are talking about, and never do anything themselves. If they were so concerned, don’t you think they would do more then talk?
