SAVS: A system for assessing vulnerability of species

The Rocky Mountain Research Station (USFS) has developed a System for Assessing Vulnerability of Species (SAVS) that quantifies the relative impact of expected climate change effects for terrestrial vertebrate species. The SAVS uses 22 criteria related to expected response or vulnerability of species in a questionnaire to provide a framework for assessing vulnerability to climate change. The questionnaire is completed using information gathered from published materials, personal knowledge, or expert consultation. The SAVS Climate Change Tool focuses solely on the effects of climate change for terrestrial vertebrate species. This tool aids managers by identifying specific traits and issues related to individual species vulnerabilities. Scores generated by completing a questionnaire are meant to be used to inform management planning. A comprehensive discussion of the development and application of this tool will be available from the RMRS General Technical Report [A System for Assessing Vulnerability of Species (SAVS) to Climate Change]. Information regarding specific criteria for each question are provided as information pop-ups with the scoring template. Users may also find it helpful to review assessments conducted for species in New Mexico and Arizona and legacy project briefs for Fort Huachuca, AZ and Barry M Goldwater Range, AZ.