Climate Change and Other Environmental Factors as Drivers of Fauna and Flora Biodiversity in Africa

Abstract

Changes in climate, land use, and other environmental factors have been and will continue to be potential threats to global biodiversity and the distribution of species. The severe danger that climate change poses to biodiversity at the local, regional, and global scale as well as species’ responses has been widely studied especially in developed countries. Research on the climate change—biodiversity nexus, as well as applied models, and the implications in Africa have been low. This work is aimed at reviewing the impacts of climate change and other environmental factors (such as topography, soil, pests, and invasive species) as key drivers of biodiversity and distribution. To achieve this aim and justify the work, the following specific objectives were developed, including (i) examining the impacts of climate change on plants and animals’ diversity and distribution and (ii) assessing the responses of different species to some environmental factors, such as soil, topography, invasions, pests, and diseases. This paper used case studies and relevant literature in reviewing the impacts of changes in climate, soil, topography, and other environmental factors on biological diversity and distribution. The findings from this work show that flora and fauna diversity and distribution have been significantly influenced by recent changes in climate and other environmental parameters, especially in the tropical African regions. This paper will create more awareness among the experts and the stakeholders in nature conservation on the rising threats to biodiversity in Africa. Measures to reduce the adverse effects of the environmental changes on the species are also discussed and recommended.