Microclimate complexities at the trailing edge of the boreal forest

Microclimates play a prominent role in efforts to conserve species the face of climate change. However, climate-change research often relies on macroclimate data predict species’ responses change and may not accurately represent temperatures actually experienced by organisms. Our objective was characterize microclimates near southern boundary boreal biome, region seeing rapid declines poleward range shifts many animal plant species. We deployed sixty temperature loggers within three sites northern Wisconsin, USA, over span nine months. used generalized additive models assess how environmental factors influenced recorded compared weather station data. also these empirical with predicted geographic black spruce (Picea mariana), dominant tree at sampled sites. Averaged months sampling, we consistent variation—up 2.6 °C 3.3 for minimum maximum temperature—among sensors several hundred meters each other. Canopy cover associated largest share (∼2.7 °C) this variation. Minimum averaged 0.32 cooler than common product, whereas were 1.15 degrees warmer predicted. Finally, trailing-edge tended be biome-wide microclimates, especially spring summer An important implication our work is that best locations avoid thermal stress shift diel or seasonal cycles, creating challenge sessile organisms mobile ones spatially anchored life-history events (e.g., nesting). In addition, results (microclimate > 1 data) suggest ecological studies underestimate effects Identifying managing can slow toll complex undertaking, future should evaluate whether animals exhibit behavioral flexibility capitalize such decisions enhance fitness survival.