Climate change is contributing to declining bird populations around the world and is expected to put many species at risk of extinction through increased temperatures, increased wildfires and changes in plant communities. Bird species most vulnerable to these changes are non-migratory, range-restricted and highly specialized to their habitat. The Cassia crossbill is one such species. Cassia crossbills are restricted to the highest elevation of lodgepole pine forests of two mountain ranges in southern Idaho. These unique birds almost exclusively feed on the seeds found in lodgepole pine cones and are unable to compete effectively for other seeds. Increasing summer temperatures have already been shown to have a negative impact on this crossbill’s food source by causing the cones to open prematurely, allowing other species to access seeds once exclusive to crossbills.

In this project, Will will develop habitat suitability models to identify areas that are suitable for Cassia crossbill. Will will then create maps using these models and future climate scenarios to investigate potential climate-induced shifts in suitable habitat and to identify areas for long-term conservation. Will is working collaboratively with the Cassia Crossbill Working Group, which has prioritized the development of models and maps to use for more effective conservation planning. These 22 stakeholders are composed of members from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the Intermountain Bird Observatory, the Sawtooth National Forest, the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Additionally, Will hopes to work collaboratively with these stakeholders to help develop climate-smart conservation strategies for the Cassia crossbill.