{"id":1696,"date":"2021-12-07T11:16:37","date_gmt":"2021-12-07T10:16:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lizardecology.org\/?page_id=1696"},"modified":"2025-04-02T13:51:00","modified_gmt":"2025-04-02T11:51:00","slug":"aquatherm","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/lizardecology.org\/?page_id=1696","title":{"rendered":"ANR AQUATHERM Project (ended)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The potential of hydroregulation and thermoregulation to influence ecological responses to climate change – ANR AQUATHERM<\/a> (2018-2023)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A project funded by Agence Nationale de la Recherche in France to support a group of four CNRS and University laboratories working on ecological impacts of climate change in wild populations of terrestrial ectotherms.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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About the project<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How the interplay between thermoregulation and hydroregulation influences vulnerability to climate change in terrestrial ectotherms remains largely unknown. Here, we will use ecophysiology and behavioural ecology to enhance our understanding of this critical facet. Focusing on squamate reptiles (lizards and snakes), we will combine mechanistic biophysical models, empirical studies of physiological and behavioural traits at the individual and population levels using two model species from two French Mountain ranges, climate niche simulations for these species, and comparative analyses across all squamate reptiles. This approach will provide new insights on the role of proximate functional traits in determining species distribution and sensitivity to climate change, and translate into knowledge applicable in other terrestrial ectotherms and wildlife management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Work packages<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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WP1 – Biomechanistic modelling<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The WP1 should provide a robust and computationally efficient model framework to analyse mass-heat balance and life history strategies depending on (i) climate conditions and microhabitat heterogeneity, (ii) behaviour and physiology, and (iii) potential for geographic variation and acclimation<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WP2 – Individual-level data on hydroregulation and thermoregulation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In WP2, we will combine an ambitious set of 5 laboratory experiments repeated in our three model systems to decipher both immediate and long-term effects of changes in ambient temperature, ambient humidity and water availability on critical functional traits<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WP3 – Population-level data along crossed thermal and water restriction gradients<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This task will aim at quantifying geographic variation in climate conditions, habitat characteristics and simple-to-measure functional traits across gradients of temperature and water availability as indicated by air temperature and rainfall but also by vegetation and access to free-standing water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WP4 – Spatially explicit mechanistic niche model at regional scale<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here, we will parametrize the mechanistic model with empirical and experimental data to produce mechanistic niche simulations in the mountain ranges under investigation (regional scale) as well as some predictions at a global scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WP5 – Species-level data on hydroregulation and thermoregulation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This WP5 will be used to comprehend evolutionary modes of correlated evolution between thermoregulation and hydroregulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Partnership<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The CEREEP-Ecotron IleDeFrance center will coordinate project, lead WP1 and participate in all tasks of the project. Individual participants at CEREEP-Ecotron IleDeFrance are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n