Potential Effects of Forthcoming Climate Change and Biological Introductions on the Restoration of the European Sturgeon: chap. 45
Effets potentiels du changement climatique et des introductions biologiques sur la restauration de l'esturgeon européen
Résumé
The restoration of threatened species is taking place in a changing global environment, creating additional problems for stakeholders and decision-makers to face. Here, the potential influences on the restoration measures developed for the European sturgeon (Acipenser sturio L., 1758) of both climate change and, to a lesser extent, biological introductions are assessed and discussed. Both evaluations were based on intensive literature searches and species distribution models. Most of the former European sturgeon distribution range was calculated as being strongly affected by global warming, especially in basins along its southern margin. Five basins where re-introductions are envisaged were projected to remain highly suitable for the species under climate change assumptions. In addition, some large French basins appeared to be suitable for other sturgeon species that share many ecological similarities with A. sturio.