Stone Piles in Nature: Hidden Harm to Wildlife and Habitats

a pile of stones in a field can look like a simple, harmless pastime or a quirky form of art. yet many who stack stones don’t realize the damage they cause to the environment, where numerous species live beneath and around those stones.

scientists report that stones are being lifted from the ground and stacked into taller mounds. the supreme council for scientific research, csic, which participated in an international study on this issue, warns that such practices harm a range of animal and plant species, some of which are endangered.

an article in the scientific journal Human-Wildlife Interactions noted that, over the past two years, these stone piles have appeared in many protected areas across spain and elsewhere, largely fueled by social media trends. while there have been notable cases in spain, including the balearic and canary islands, the phenomenon has spread to many coastal and inland areas around the world.

beneath the stones a living world depends on them

so what exactly is the harm? researchers explain that stacking rocks changes habitats used by animals and plants that rely on stones for shelter or on microclimates created by rock arrangements. when a stone is lifted, the tiny homes of insects, spiders, worms and other small creatures can be exposed or destroyed.

image of a place full of piles of stones getty

creating a cluster of stones creates specific temperature and humidity conditions that some species need, including insects, snails and spiders. the arrangement of stones also influences predator–prey dynamics and competition among species.

this practice is most impactful in dry areas where the microclimates beneath stones are crucial for shelter. it can also erode soil and damage vegetation. moving, removing or breaking stones can upset ecosystem balance, according to anna traveset, a csic researcher at the mediterranean institute for advanced studies, a joint csic and university of the balearic islands center.

sign prohibiting this practice in formentera (balearic islands) allformentera.com

the scientists describe potential consequences and point to regions where adverse effects on biota have been confirmed. on madeira in portugal, habitat degradation linked to rock mounds threatens endemic species with very limited ranges, such as kelp species, and the atlantic riccia, listed as critically endangered by the international union for conservation of nature. endemic madeira lizards such as teira dugesii, and those on the balearic islands and puig-related islets like podarcis lilfordi and podarcis ptychensis depend on these rocks for shelter alongside other endemic invertebrates.

“don’t let the stones move”

many species rely on stones for shelter, so visitors to sensitive nature areas are urged not to move them. follow local guidelines and minimize any impact. the consequences of actions as simple as piling stones in areas with threatened wildlife are hard to predict, according to traveset.

piles of stones, pixabay

researchers are calling on authorities to restrict the construction of these structures and to remove existing piles to prevent new ones from forming. the csic researcher warns that this fashionable habit, imported from other regions, poses a serious threat to natural landscapes and ecosystems.

in some places, governments are already enforcing penalties for piling stones in natural areas. for example, the camariñas city council in coruña imposed fines reaching thousands of euros on offenders several years ago.

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note: environmental protection authorities emphasize the need to protect habitat, wildlife and vegetation by avoiding disruption and adhering to conservation guidance in protected zones.