Mountain ecosystems are among the most vulnerable to climate change, yet they also serve as essential refugia for biodiversity. Our research examines the impacts of shifting climate patterns on protected areas, with a particular focus on mountain regions, where species distributions and ecological processes are undergoing rapid transformation. Using climate change velocity as a metric, we identify areas experiencing accelerated habitat shifts, highlighting the limitations of static conservation boundaries in these highly dynamic landscapes.
By integrating high-resolution climate projections with environmental data, we developed a spatial prioritization framework to identify both biodiversity hotspots and potential climate refugia in mountain regions. Our findings highlight that high-altitude areas, such as the Alps, exhibit a high proportion of climate change hotspots, where species are exposed to rapid shifts in climatic conditions. Conversely, certain Mediterranean and Anatolian mountain regions act as coldspots, providing potential refugia due to their slower climate velocity. Importantly, we reveal that topographic diversity plays a critical role in buffering species from climate change, while areas with low topographic complexity face heightened exposure.
Effective conservation in mountain regions requires dynamic, climate-smart strategies. We emphasize the need for adaptive conservation planning that prioritizes both hotspots, where biodiversity is most at risk, and coldspots, which serve as vital refugia. Protected areas such as Natura 2000 sites that overlap with climate-sensitive mountain zones should be prioritized for conservation action, as expanding these networks remains challenging in densely populated regions. Strengthening the resilience of mountain ecosystems through targeted, forward-thinking conservation planning will be key to safeguarding biodiversity in the face of accelerating climate change.