A rare insect that is only found in Glacier National Park is being threatened by the loss of glaciers and increased stream temperatures in the area caused by global warming.
The findings are concerning because the insect, dubbed the western glacier stonefly (Zapada glacier), represents the entire unique ecosystem found in the streams of the glacial park, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.
To make their findings, the researchers took samples of six streams over a period of two years starting in 2011. Using species identification and genetic analysis the researchers found the western glacial stonefly in only one previously occupied location and in two new spots at higher altitudes.
"Many aquatic species are considered vulnerable to climate change because they are coldwater dependent and confined to mountaintop streams immediately below melting glaciers and permanent snowfields," said Joe Giersch, project leader and USGS scientist. "Few studies have documented changes in distributions associated with temperature warming and glacial recession, and this is the first to do so for an aquatic species in the Rockies."
Researchers have predicted the glaciers in the National Park will disappear as soon as 2030, and the rare insect is trying to cope by moving upstream in search of cooler waters.
"Soon there will be nowhere left for the stonefly to go," Giersch said.
The study was conducted primarily because the stonefly was petitioned for inclusion under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, and more insight on the species' status is required in order to make that decision.
"There are a handful of other coldwater dependent alpine aquatic species here in Glacier that are at risk of extinction due to the loss of permanent snow and ice. Under a warming climate, the biodiversity of unique aquatic alpine species - not just in Glacier, but worldwide - is threatened, and warrants further study," Giersch said.
Results from the study will be featured in the upcoming issue of Freshwater Science.
