Species habitat suitability increased during COVID-19 lockdowns

Reduction in traffic and industrial activities during the COVID-19 lockdowns led to improved air and water quality worldwide. During this so-called "Anthropause," some species may have shifted their distributions, as exemplified in numerous anecdotal reports of wildlife appearing in the middle of major cities suddenly devoid of usual human activity.

In this study, researchers explored whether habitat suitability in the Iberian Peninsula increased during the 2020 and 2021 lockdowns. Using GBIF-mediated occurrences of 381 native species of vascular plants, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, the authors created ecological niche models based on five environmental variables from remote sensing before, during, and after the pandemic restrictions came into force.

Overall, the models showed that habitat suitability fluctuated over time, showing a seasonal pattern; however, during both lockdowns, habitat suitability was at its highest of the entire study period running from July 2017 to August 2022. The authors compared these results with air quality and mobility data, finding a clear correlation between decreased air pollution when people stayed at home and the resulting positive effects on species’ habitat quality.

As a public health measure, the COVID-19 lockdowns were implemented to prevent uncontrolled spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. As challenging as these periods were to both individuals and society, the results of the study highlight a unique opportunity to improve understanding of the true extent of human disturbances on biodiversity and the environment.