The evidence is mounting:Humans were responsible for extinction of large mammals
Recent research from Aarhus University reveals that human hunting significantly contributed to the extinction of at least 161 mammal species, particularly large megafauna, over the past 50,000 years.
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Recent research from Aarhus University indicates that humans played a significant role in the extinction of large mammals, or megafauna, over the past 50,000 years. This study, published in the journal Cambridge Prisms: Extinction, synthesizes various research fields, including species extinction timing, dietary preferences, and evidence of human hunting. It highlights that at least 161 mammal species went extinct during this period, with the largest megaherbivores being the most affected. While climate change has historically influenced animal populations, the study argues that it did not selectively cause the extinction of large animals, as previous climate shifts did not lead to similar losses. Instead, the evidence suggests that human hunting was widespread and effective, contributing to the decline of species like mammoths and giant sloths. The researchers found that extinctions occurred globally, across diverse ecosystems, and were often linked to the arrival of modern humans. The loss of these large animals has had profound ecological consequences, disrupting vegetation structure and nutrient cycling. The authors advocate for conservation efforts, suggesting that reintroducing large mammals could help restore ecological balance and support biodiversity. This research underscores the need to understand the historical impacts of human activity on ecosystems to inform current conservation strategies.
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3 commentsSecondly, The absolute count of mega fauna at risk of extinction is now quite small. Not a good thing, but we're talking Whales (which we took care of mostly) and Elephants (which we are not taking care of adequatly, mostly) and Rhino (which we've completely failed at). I think Hippo, pablo escobar apart are not at the same risk although I may be wrong. I see they are listed as at-risk. So thats 4 major species, 3 in one continent mainly, one universal in the sea and although virtually hunted to extinction, on the mend. So whats to do? What is the action/consequence here because I think we're beyond the point where not killing elephants is going to alter the biome constructively (which is terribly sad) -Again, if there is a specific role we'd gain from widespread Elephant populations at large, I'd like to know.
Are Giraffe "megafauna" ?
The other risky species are frogs, birds, and carnivores. Few of them feel like megafauna. They are very important however. Diclofenac was a disaster for vultures.
If the actual message is "don't extinct things" then thats ok.
But, if the extinctions happened 10,000 to 1,000 years ago, the "remediation" here is to a state we as modern humans have never experienced. I'm not sure we have social licence to do that.
For the modern era extinctions of megafauna, It's not like re-wilding scotland for Beavers, we'd be putting wooly coats on elephants and putting twenty thousand of them into North America, Canada, And other places north of the Arctic circle. We'd be putting 2 million bison on the march across the central wheat belt of america. I would love to see that get through both houses, and the states. (2 million is low btw. There were up to 60 million of them by google search)
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DNA analysis challenges inbreeding extinction theory for Wrangel Island mammoths. Study reveals severe bottleneck, stable population for 6,000 years before extinction, purging harmful mutations over time. Insights for conservation efforts.
A Comet Exploded Above North America 12,800 Years Ago, Say Scientists
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A study in Nature Ecology & Evolution reveals that the largest animals may not have proportionally bigger brains. Humans defy this trend, evolving exceptionally large brains compared to other mammals. The research clarifies brain-body size relationships, challenging previous assumptions.
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Researchers reconstructed a 52,000-year-old woolly mammoth genome using Hi-C, revealing 28 chromosomes resembling modern elephants. Well-preserved DNA offers insights into mammoth genetics and potential de-extinction applications. Challenges persist in finding suitable samples.
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Large mammals like giant ground sloths and wooly mammoths faced extinction, with human hunting, not climate change, playing a significant role. Research shows early humans targeted these species, impacting their slow reproductive rates. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect vulnerable large mammal species.