How do the innate thermal preferences of a species shape its probability of surviving a changing climate?

The preferred thermal environments of reptiles vary greatly across different taxa and probably play a critical role in  determining the probability of surviving climate shifts. Unfortunately, beyond general habitat preferences, little is known about the environmental tolerances of different species, thus hampering our ability to understand and predict how species will respond to changing climatic conditions. Ongoing research in the lab (led by V. Temez)  has been quantifying the environmental tolerances (temperatures, rates of moisture loss) of different species both in the field and under controlled laboratory conditions. This information can, in conjunction with habitat preferences, shed light on the susceptibility of species to global climate change. 

In addition, members of the lab (V. Deem, A. Belasen) are investigating how habitat fragmentation, a ubiquitous human impact on natural ecosystems affect a species’ ability to adapt to warming climate.