Arctic Biodiversity Assessment Highlights Rapid Changes for Arctic Flora and Fauna

A new report synthesizing scientific findings on the status and trends for selected biodiversity in the Arctic indicates that unique Arctic habitats for flora and fauna, including sea ice, tundra, lakes and peatlands, have been disappearing over recent decades, and some characteristic Arctic species have shown a decline. Changes in Arctic biodiversity have global repercussions and are further creating challenges for people living in the Arctic.

For this report, twenty-two indicators were selected to provide a snapshot of the trends being observed in Arctic biodiversity today. The indicators were selected to cover major species groups with wide distributions across Arctic ecosystems. Special consideration was given to indicators closely associated with biodiversity use by indigenous and local communities, as well as those with relevance to decision-makers. Indicators were also selected on the basis of what was achievable in terms of existing data and in the timeframe available. Each indicator chapter provides an overview of the status and trends of a given indicator, information on stressors, and concerns for the future.

Key Findings:

1 : Unique Arctic habitats for flora and fauna, including sea ice, tundra, thermokarst ponds and lakes, and permafrost peatlands have been disappearing over recent decades.

2 : Although the majority of Arctic species are not currently declining, some harvested species of importance to Arctic people or species of global significance are declining.

3 : Climate change is emerging as the most far reaching and significant stressor on Arctic biodiversity. However, contaminants, habitat fragmentation, industrial development, and unsustainable harvest levels continue to have impacts. Complex interactions between climate change and other factors have the potential to magnify impacts on biodiversity.

4 : Since 1991, the extent of protected areas in the Arctic has increased, although marine areas remain poorly represented.

5 : Changes in Arctic biodiversity are creating both challenges and opportunities for Arctic peoples.

6 : Long-term observations based on the best available traditional and scientific knowledge are required to identify changes in biodiversity, assess the implications of observed changes, and develop adaptation strategies.

7 : Changes in Arctic biodiversity have global repercussions.