Swedish scientists from Lund University have established a connection between large herbivores and the state of forest ecosystems. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine One World.
Experts have found that areas where elephants, rhinos, deer and other green-eating megafauna are abundant have more diverse tree cover, which helps other species thrive.
“Our results reveal an interesting and complex story of how large herbivores shape the world’s natural landscapes. Tree cover in these regions is sparse, but its diversity is much higher than in regions without large herbivores,” said Lanhui Wang, lead author of the study.
The new findings underscore the need to integrate large herbivores into restoration and conservation strategies, the scientists said. This is important not only for the animals themselves, but also for the vital role they play in shaping landscapes and influencing biodiversity.
According to calculations, the number of wild herbivorous megafauna will need to be increased to implement the UN international program to restore up to 100 thousand square kilometers of natural areas.
Zoologists before I learnedElephants in Asia will soon have nowhere to live.