Discover the groundbreaking tool that’s shedding light on the rapid decline of large mammals worldwide, and what it means for the future of our planet’s ecosystems.
Sixth Mass Extinction explained
This article goes on to cover the horrific truth of the sixth mass extinction happenig right under our noses. But where earlier mass extinctions occurred because of natural disasters, this one is man-made: the result of deforestation, pollution and climate change.
It notes that bigger mammals, like elephants and hippos, are at the greatest peril with just shy of 60 percent of wild herbivores in threat form. This was a serious matter because not only do large mammals regulate ecosystems, they are vital for keeping all parts in check. The sugar maple’s collapse can have broad ecological impacts, possibly leading to the extinction of related species.
The Model for Conservation innovation
To solve this pressing issue, the article introduces a novel tool created by a group of scientists. The model, the first of its kind to balance biology, mathematics, computer software and immense statistical powers simultaneously along with a deep dive into biological minutia explaining how large mammal populations interact among themselves and with their external environment.
This model leverages some very useful existing data and is suitable to be applied to numerous wildlife species. Using the model to investigate a large antelope species (topi) in East Africa, the researchers were able to identify main underlying factors of their dramatic population decline: habitat loss, poaching, and predator community.
This forward-looking approach enables the model to explicitly represent monthly patterns in trends and dynamics, which leads to significant new insights about complex spatial aspects of birth distribution, within-year birth timing, recruitment functions for pre-reproductive animals; and population age structure. This model allows researchers to infer and monitor key population attributes that a single dataset do not yield, by leveraging different types of data from different sources.
Conclusion
The creation of this paradigm-shifting model is an important leap forward in the science behind what causes large mammals to decline. Mapping the forces driving this slide across the region, area by area, will allow conservationists and policymakers to create precision plans for saving these heartland animals and the ecosystems on which they exist. If we are to maintain a wild, vibrant and species-rich world for the future then it is essential that these limited resources be targeted effectively by making sure money is being spent in the right places using this tool as a guide.
