Climate change could see a third of Victoria's animal species extinct in 60 years
Source: Herald Sun
VICTORIA could bear the brunt of a climate change front that would see almost a third of animal species wiped out in less than 60 years.
By 2070, Victoria could be rendered unrecognisable as the continent heats up and rainfall patterns change, according to a drastic new report by the CSIRO.
One of the report's authors, Dr Michael Dunlop, said our grandchildren were likely to experience landscapes very different to the ones we know.
"It's highly likely there'll be quite a lot of species that go extinct - it's impossible to say how many," he said.
"I wouldn't be surprised if 30 per cent or more species go extinct. That number could be higher or lower depending on how much, through our management, we're able to help species cope."
He said Victoria's ecosystems would come under immense pressure as rising temperatures caused plant and animal species to migrate south to seek cooler climates.
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"Victoria could actually be the state that sees quite a lot of pressure towards extinction because there's fewer opportunities for species to move southwards," Dr Dunlop said.
Victorian animal species already threatened by climate change include the mountain pygmy possum, the helmeted honeyeater, and pink-tailed legless lizard.
Read more: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/climate-change-could-see-a-third-of-victorias-animal-species-extinct-in-60-years/story-e6frf7kx-1226476070373
Victoria's mountain pygmy possums are already being threatened by climate change. Source: Supplied
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