Assessing Impacts of Climate Change on Exotic Bamboo Distribution in Japan

Towards Adaptation under Increasing Risk of Expansion

Abstract

We estimated the potential habitats of Phyllostachys bamboo species under current and future climate conditions and assessed increasing risks of bamboo expansion for the future. The potential habitats expanded in northern Japan due to climate change. In western Japan, predicted values of being suitable habitats increased, except for warm areas such as southern Kyushu. Expansion risks of abandoned bamboo stands would increase along with climate change in a wide range of Japan. Appropriate management of existing bamboo forests and controls of new bamboo plantation are both important for climate change adaptation.