Investigating climate change vulnerability and planning for adaptation: Learning from a study of climate change impacts on the Mountain Gorilla in the Albertine Rift

Abstract

Climate change represents an unprecedented challenge for the conservation and management of endangered species and habitats. Effective climate smart conservation will require robust predictions of vulnerability and future changes, along with the design and prioritisation of effective adaptation planning and management responses that are clearly linked to projected climate impacts. To achieve this goal, conservation managers urgently need practical tools and approaches for vulnerability assessment and adaptation planning. This article explores lessons emerging from a recent vulnerability assessment and adaptation planning exercise conducted on the impact of climate change for mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei). We describe the main findings emerging from this initiative and explore key lessons for climate change vulnerability assessment and adaptation planning for conservation management. Data limitations were a key factor determining the utility of model outputs and we stress the importance of stakeholder engagement and collaboration throughout the vulnerability assessment and adaptation planning cycle. These findings are of relevance to conservation practitioners seeking to incurporate climate change considerations into ongoing management planning for endangered species conservation.