ECTOPYR

The Pyrenees are increasingly affected by climate change. In this context, human societies across the borders must keep track of and adapt to the changes. ECTOPYR offers a novel and ambitious strategy in this regard; that is to use a panel of 8 ectotherm organisms as bio-indicators of climate change, occurring from low-land streams to high-altitude rock-fields.

ECTOPYR will generate range maps for each model organism in order to rapidly (1) assess each bio-indicator’s response to climate change, (2) describe the natural variability of the Pyrenees’ climate over vast time scales and (3) generate modelling tools in order to anticipate the effects of climate change on each model organisms. These advances will serve decision making towards a sustainable future across the various mountainous environments, as well as thoroughly understand ecosystem functioning in the Pyrenees.