Arboreal Mammals Are at Risk Under Climate Change: Insights From a Global Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

ABSTRACT

Climate change poses significant threats to biodiversity, altering species survival and interactions within diverse ecological networks. In this systematic review, we synthesized current knowledge on climate change impacts on arboreal mammals and identified gaps, biases, and future opportunities in research. Following PRISMA guidelines, we identified 142 studies spanning 33 countries. We identified significant phylogenetic and geographic gaps in knowledge, revealing that large proportions of taxa remain unstudied or under‐represented. Australia and South America were the most frequently studied countries; however, considering the high diversity of arboreal mammals in these regions, this research focus remains inadequate. The koala and greater glider were major focal animals of climate change studies. The order Diprotodontia was the most studied (46%), followed by Primates (23%). Conversely, studies focusing on the orders Chiroptera , Pilosa , and Microbiotheria , as well as research conducted in Africa and Europe, were noticeably underrepresented. Extreme temperature was found to be the main driver behind many negative impacts on arboreal mammals. Meta‐analysis revealed that several arboreal mammal families are projected to experience significant future range contractions, particularly Pseudocheiridae, Cercopithecidae , and Tarsiidae . Conservation practitioners should target areas that ensure both climatic and ecological suitability for species survival in future climate scenarios, prioritising highly vulnerable species. Current research highlights the critical need for habitat protection, restoration, and management, identification of climate and thermal refugia, and conducting more species‐specific research. Future research should focus on expanding to underrepresented taxa and regions, conducting more longitudinal studies in well‐studied taxa and regions, investigating multiple climate drivers, and considering multiple species where appropriate, to enhance our understanding of climate change impacts on arboreal mammals.