Differences in climate change impacts on reptile embryos and adults

Species experience climate change impacts throughout their life cycle; yet, embryos are rarely considered in vulnerability assessments and conservation planning. We conducted a global-scale analysis of developmental traits and climate change effects on embryonic development in 48 oviparous reptiles. We also compared the climate change effects on embryos and adults to identify geographic areas where the 2 life stages are most vulnerable to such effects. In a comparison between adults and embryos in 5 lizard species, we focused on activity restriction and loss of egg development opportunity associated with climate change impacts. Embryos of tropical oviparous reptiles, particularly those in the Amazon, were predicted to be the most vulnerable to climate change. Climate change impacts on embryos were predicted to exacerbate challenges for 13 threatened species, 11 of which were turtles. Areas where embryos and adults were most vulnerable aligned at broad geographic scales (e.g., both concentrated in the tropics). However, for the 5 representative lizard species, conservation priorities based on the effects of climate change on embryos matched poorly with those based on effects on adults. Embryos of tropical oviparous reptiles warrant increased conservation attention, particularly turtles and threatened species. Our results highlight the importance of considering all life stages when assessing species' vulnerability to climate change.