Study Warns of Severe Habitat Loss for Chinkara Due to Climate Change

The chinkara, also known as the Indian gazelle, roams the arid landscapes of the Indian subcontinent, representing both grace and resilience. While this species is protected under Schedule I of India’s Wildlife Protection Act and classified as ‘least concern’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), a recent study suggests that the future of the chinkara may not be as secure as previously thought.

Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India have published findings in the Journal of Wildlife Management that highlight a potential biodiversity crisis. Under the most dire emissions scenario, labeled RCP 8.5, which predicts a temperature rise of 4°C or more by the year 2100, the chinkara could face a staggering 89% loss of its suitable habitat by 2070. When considering climate as the sole factor influencing habitat loss, projections indicate that the figure could escalate to an alarming 96.5%.

Even in a more optimistic scenario, aligned with the Paris Agreement’s target of limiting global warming to 2°C (RCP 2.6), habitat loss remains significant, albeit less severe. “A loss of 89%-96% of habitat within roughly 50 years represents a biodiversity emergency for this species in India,” stated Amar Paul Singh, the lead author of the study. This alarming forecast underscores the pressing need for conservation efforts, particularly in light of the research’s scope, which is among the first to evaluate these risks for dryland ungulates on a national level.

The researchers meticulously gathered over 200 verified records of chinkara sightings from field surveys, published studies, and biodiversity databases that cover the years between 2000 and 2022. By analyzing this extensive data, they have created a comprehensive picture of how climate change could reshape the future of the chinkara.

As climate change continues to challenge wildlife across the globe, the fate of the chinkara serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of even seemingly stable species. Conservationists emphasize the urgent need for targeted action to mitigate these risks and protect the habitats that are crucial for the survival of the chinkara and other wildlife in similar ecosystems.

Source: scroll.in