Valleys are a potential refuge for the Amazon lowland forest in the face of increased risk of drought

Abstract

Abstract The Amazon rainforest is home to an incredible variety of plant and animal species and plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate. Climate change and human activities are putting this important ecosystem at risk. In particular, increasing droughts are making it harder for certain organisms to survive. Here we analyse a satellite-based data set of fog/low-stratus (FLS) frequency and a spatio-temporal drought index. We show that vulnerable organisms may find refuge in river valleys where FLS provides a source of moisture. We find that these favourable microclimates exist throughout the Amazon basin, with the highest occurrence and stability in steep river valleys. We suggest that protecting these hygric climate change refugia could help preserve the biodiversity and functioning of the Amazon ecosystem in the face of future droughts. This would also help stabilise atmospheric moisture recycling, making the region more resilient to climate change.