Global warming is a plus

[SoCalDem]

for marmots – for now
High temperatures are driving a population boom for the squirrel-like creatures, a study finds. Researchers say the animals' fortunes will probably be reversed as their habitat gets hotter.



By Karen Kaplan, Los Angeles Times

July 22, 2010
http://www.latimes.com/news/science/la-sci-0722-climate-change-marmots-20100722,0,1426845.story


Every year, scientists fan out across Colorado's Upper East River Valley to count the yellow-bellied marmots that make their home there in rocky meadows bordered by aspen, pine and spruce trees.

Over the last decade, the work has gotten more tiring. Now they know why — the population of squirrel-like critters has exploded due to environmental changes brought on by global warming, according to a study published Thursday in the journal Nature.

It's a rare example of animals benefiting from the higher temperatures, which are making life increasingly difficult for polar bears, harlequin frogs and dozens of other species around the world, the researchers said. But in this case the effect is only temporary, since the forces that are causing marmots to thrive are almost certain to spell their doom.

"It certainly looks like a good-news story for now, but it would surprise me if it continues for the long term," said Andrew McAdam, an evolutionary ecologist at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, who was not involved in the marmot study.

snip

[Common Sense Party]

1. They're cute.

What's the difference between a groundhog and a marmot?

These marmots look like the critter in Groundhog Day.

[slackmaster]

2. Nice marmots

[Uncle Joe]

3. Don't forget to add - "for now."

I believe this is the key sentence.

It's a rare example of animals benefiting from the higher temperatures, which are making life increasingly difficult for polar bears, harlequin frogs and dozens of other species around the world, the researchers said. But in this case the effect is only temporary, since the forces that are causing marmots to thrive are almost certain to spell their doom.

Thanks for the thread, SoCalDem.

[guardian]

4. Many species benefit from warmer climate

Some sample articles:


Could global warming benefit one species of endangered shark?
http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/wilderness-resources/stories/could-global-warming-benefit-one-species-of-endangered

How Global Warming is Changing the Wild Kingdom
http://www.livescience.com/environment/050621_warming_changes.html

Animals That May Benefit From Global Warming
http://politics.usnews.com/news/energy/slideshows/5-animals-that-may-benefit-from-global-warming

The Perks and Benefits of Global Warming
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/15091/the_perks_and_benefits_of_global_warming.html?cat=27

Starfish may benefit from global warming
http://news.mongabay.com/2009/0525-starfish.html

Global Warming Benefits Short Lifespan Animals
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Global-Warming-Benefits-Short-Lifespan-Animals-96910.shtml

Global Warming and Butterflies
http://scienceandpublicpolicy.org/reprint/global_warming_and_butterflies.html

Global warming is already speeding up insect breeding: From a pest perspective it's an important issue.
http://climateprogress.org/2009/12/26/science-human-caused-global-warming-is-already-speeding-up-insect-pest-breeding/

The Perks of Global Warming!
http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/11-7-2005-80804.asp

[Radical Activist]

7. Don't forget the hemlock woolly adelgid

http://www.climatewatch.noaa.gov/2010/images/hemlock-dieback-in-the-smoky-mountains

[LWolf]

5. Lovely.

At least, it would be, if they would stay out of developed pastures and fields. Not that I blame them, around here. Who wouldn't rather burrow through loose, rich soil and find roots, grubs, moisture, etc. instead of hanging out on rock piles and burrowing through miles of lava rock?

Not-so-affectionately known locally as "rock chucks," they wreak havoc on pastures and hay fields, and pothole hazards for grazers. Caddyshack comes to mind. A population boom might be entertaining. :P

I am concerned, though, for the horses. A friend's horse, a healthy young 7 yo with a lot of training invested, that she had raised from a weanling, was permanently disabled when he stepped in a burrow under the snow and fell. More burrows, more of those kinds of situations.

There's no shortage here already.

As a matter of fact, I use rock chucks to determine the beginning of spring. No, I don't hover outside their burrows to see if they see their shadow upon peeking out the first time.

I just watch the local high school. It's on the corner of a major intersection (for this small town) that I drive by several times a week. There's an expanse of lawn between the street and the building. When the rock chucks are on the high school lawn, it's spring. :D

[Radical Activist]

6. Many species will grow as a result of climate change.

Unfortunately, many of them will bring more disease and death to other species, including humans and our food crops.