DOI 10.1007/s10584-011-0083-z Sinking ships: conservation options for endemic taxa threatened by sea level rise

Abstract Low-elevation islands face threats from sea level rise (SLR) and increased storm intensity. Evidence of endangered species ’ population declines and shifts in vegetation communities are already underway in the Florida Keys. SLR predictions indicate large areas of these habitats may be eliminated in the next century. Using the Florida Keys as a model system, we present a process for evaluating conservation options for rare and endemic taxa. Considering species characteristics and habitat, w