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Big herbivores make trees diverse: A new study
23.11.2023 08:50
Updated: 13.05.2024 21:22
A group of scientists used special satellites to study the trees in protected areas around the world.
They found that places with a lot of big plant-eating animals, like elephants and moose, have a mix of different kinds of trees.
This mix helps many different animals and plants live there.
How it works
It's crucial to have diverse and strong ecosystems to protect nature and fight climate change.
The researchers discovered that big herbivores, which are large plant-eating animals, are important for shaping landscapes.
In areas where these animals live, there are fewer trees, but the types of trees are more varied.
This is because these animals eat some plants and also disturb the land, creating a home for various species.
The study suggests that we should include these big animals in plans to take care of the environment.
Why it's important
The scientists think that during this time when the world is trying to fix climate change and save biodiversity, we need to talk more about how these large animals affect nature.
They believe that saving these animals is not only good for them but also crucial for making sure our ecosystems are healthy.
The United Nations has even declared the next few years as a special time to restore ecosystems around the world, and the scientists say we need more of these big herbivores to make it happen.
