The climate is changing faster than at any time in recorded history. Catastrophic storms, droughts, floods, and fires are increasingly common. People adjust to these changes by turning up the air conditioning, fighting forest fires, and building infrastructure. Plants and animals are also feeling the heat, but lack the ability to change their environment. When their territories become uninhabitable, their only option is to leave and search out new habitats. Range shifts have already been detected for many plant and animal populations in response to recent climate change. Adaptation takes time—often many generations - and wildlife attempting to move to new ranges are likely to run into roads, dams, cities and sprawl blocking the way. Based on species migration principals and expected habitat changes due to climate change, this map represents prioritized movement pathways that would facilitate climate driven movements to plan for a more resilient and connected California for wildlife.
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