Climate change has caused many species to shift the timing of life history events, such as reproduction, in response to changes in the timing of optimal conditions. The effects of climate change on the life histories of large predators are unclear. Briana Abrahms et al. analyzed the effects of climate change on the reproductive timing and success of African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) in Botswana based on monitoring data from 60 packs over 30 years. The authors found that the birthing dates of

more »

... ican wild dogs have shifted 22 days later on average over 30 years. This shift has allowed African wild dogs to track a stable thermal range for birthing as the climate has warmed. However, maximum daily temperatures during the 3-month denning period following birth have risen significantly over the same period. Increased denning temperatures were associated with reduced reproductive success. The results suggest that the response of African wild dogs to climate change may become maladaptive. According to the authors, the shift in birth timing for African wild dogs is more than twice the observed average rate for animals, contrary to predictions that large predators are likely to be relatively less sensitive to climate change. -M.H.