| As climate conditions worldwide continue to shift, species assemblages and ecological community composition may be reshuffled in unpredictable ways and "novel ecosystems" may emerge. Some habitat types may cease to exist while others may expand in size and protecting ecosystems and species in their current locations will become increasingly difficult. Threatened and endangered species within these areas are likely to be disproportionately affected by climate change, since they are often habitat specialists and relatively rare. The Endangered Species Act (ESA) has prevented the extinction of many plant and animal species, and the identification and conservation of critical habitat is an important tool for species preservation. But how do we designate and preserve critical habitat for protected species when we are unsure about future environmental conditions? Here we address this question utilizing a climate adaptation framework based upon the idea of managing for change, rather than focusing on the maintenance of existing conditions. We offer suggestions and guidelines related to the inclusion of climate considerations into endangered species habitat and management plans. Finally, we illustrate our conceptual ideas with a case study of an endangered mammal endemic to Southern California, Stephens' kangaroo rat (Dipodomys stephensi).
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