This document uses the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems guidelines to diagnose the collapse of the Tropical glacier ecosystems of the Cordillera de Mérida in Venezuela.
The evidence suggests an extreme risk of collapse (Critically Endangered, CR) due to prolonged and acute declines in ice extent and changes in climatic conditions that are leading towards a complete loss of ice mass. The biotic compartments of the glacial ecosystem will consequently be lost, with ice loss also initiating a decades-long succession of forefield vegetation. Even the most optimistic climate change projections are unlikely to prevent imminent ecosystem collapse in this region.
Summary of the assessment published in:
Ferrer-Paris JR, Llambí LD, Melfo A, Keith DA. First Red List of Ecosystems assessment of a tropical glacier ecosystem to diagnose the pathways towards imminent collapse. Oryx. Published online 2024:1-11. doi:10.1017/S0030605323001771
Full assessment report uploaded to EcoEvoRxiv: https://doi.org/10.32942/X2VK54
Available as a Quarto book in GitHub pages: https://red-list-ecosystem.github.io/T6.1-SA-01-VE-01-Cordillera-Merida/
OSF project with reproducible code and data here: https://osf.io/y3279/