Scientists are gathering in Oakland this week to figure out how to save thousands of animals around the world from extinction.

Conservation biologists at the first-ever North American Congress for Conservation Biology want to know how humans affect biodiversity.  Animals are already isolated by development and habitat loss, but climate change is worsening the situation.

One possible solution is to connect parks to each other so that animals can migrate. UC Santa Cruz professor emeritus Michael Soulé, who recognized the isolation problem in the 1970s,  says landscape connectivity is now more important than ever. "When the climate is changing rapidly, as it is now, then creatures have to [move] or perish where they are."

One session this week will center around helping Bay Area animals adapt to climate change by connecting natural areas.

The conference continues through Wednesday.