The polar bear has become an icon for the perils of global warming, but many other species are more urgently threatened, according to biologist William Laurance. Here are some of the animals at risk.
Polar bear
The iconic polar bear is far from the only species imperilled by global warming.
Click through to find out which species are most vulnerable
(Image: William Laurance)
Green iguana
Many tropical species, such as this green iguana from Panama, can only survive within a small range of temperatures, and thus are also threatened by global warming.
(Image: William Laurance)
Chameleon gecko
A temperature increase of even a few degrees can be fatal for some tropical reptiles, such as this chameleon gecko from tropical Queensland.
(Image: Stephen Williams)
Unidentified hairy caterpillar
Many tropical invertebrates, such as this unknown hairy caterpillar from Suriname in South America, are probably also sensitive to minor increases in temperature.
(Image: William Laurance)
White lemuroid ringtail possum
Among the most imperilled are species living atop tropical mountains, as they are adapted for cool, cloudy conditions.
The white lemuroid ringtail possum is found only on a high mountaintop in tropical Queensland, Australia. It has not been seen in three years and is thought to be a victim of global warming.
(Image: Mike Trenerry)
Royal flycatcher
Tropical lowland species, such as this royal flycatcher from central Amazonia, may also be living dangerously close to their maximum thermal limits.
(Image: William Laurance)
