What are the keystone species in Tasmania that will be most affected by climate change and what will happen if they go extinct?

Tasmania, an island state of southern Australia, is home to various unique and important species. While there isn't a comprehensive list of keystone species specifically identified for Tasmania, several species are considered ecologically significant and could be significantly affected by climate change, such as:

• Tasmanian Devil (Sarcophilus harrisii): While not a keystone species in the traditional sense, the Tassie Devil is an iconic carnivorous marsupial in Tasmania. Their population has been greatly impacted by a transmissible cancer called Devil Facial Tumour Disease. Climate change might further stress their habitats, affecting food availability and disease spread. Extinction of Tasmanian Devils could disrupt the ecosystem as they play a role in controlling smaller mammal populations.
• Giant Kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera): Although not an animal, giant kelp plants were a vital part of Tasmania's underwater ecosystem. Climate change affecting water temperature and ocean acidification has impacted kelp growth and persistence. As a foundation species, its widespread decline around Tasmania could disrupt the entire underwater ecosystem by affecting species that depend on it for habitat and food.
• Eastern Quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus): This small carnivorous marsupial is also at risk due to habitat loss and changing ecosystems. Their extinction could affect the balance of smaller prey species and disrupt the food chain.

If any of these species were to considerably decline or go extinct due to climate change or other pressures, the consequences could be significant, for example:

• Ecosystem Disruption: Keystone species often have a disproportionately large impact on their ecosystem relative to their abundance. Their disappearance could lead to imbalances in food chains, population dynamics, and habitat structure.
• Loss of Biodiversity: The extinction of any species reduces overall biodiversity. This loss can affect the resilience and adaptability of ecosystems, potentially making them more susceptible to further changes and disturbances.
• Ecological Services Disruption: Many species provide vital ecological services, such as seed dispersal, pollination, or predator control. Their disappearance could disrupt these services, impacting the overall health and function of the ecosystem.
• Cascading Effects: The loss of one keystone species could trigger a cascade of secondary extinctions or ecological changes. For instance, if a predator disappears, it might cause an overabundance of its prey, leading to further ecosystem imbalances.

Preserving these keystone species and their habitats is crucial to maintaining the health and balance of Tasmania's ecosystems. Efforts in conservation, habitat protection, and climate change mitigation are vital to prevent the loss of these important species and their potential extinction