Scientists have unveiled compelling evidence that human hunting, rather than climate change, was the primary force behind the extinction of large animals like mammoths, rhinoceroses, and elephants over the past 50,000 years.
A recent study conducted by the Danish National Research Foundation's Center for Ecological Dynamics in a Novel Biosphere at Aarhus University has shed new light on the fate of these ancient giants. Published in March in the journal Cambridge Prisms: Extinction, the research synthesizes data from various fields to explore the causes of megafauna disappearance.
By analyzing the timing of species extinctions, dietary habits, climate and habitat requirements, genetic population estimates, and evidence of human predation, the researchers concluded that human activities played a pivotal role in the decline of these species. The study suggests that as humans spread across different continents, their hunting practices significantly impacted the survival of large animal populations.
Lead researcher Professor Jens-Christian Svenning emphasized the importance of understanding human impact on past ecosystems. "Our findings highlight how early human societies influenced the environment in profound ways," he said. "Recognizing this historical impact is crucial for current conservation efforts and understanding biodiversity loss."
The study challenges previous theories that placed greater emphasis on climate change as the main driver of these extinctions. While climate fluctuations did affect habitats, the research indicates that the pressures from human hunting were more immediate and severe for megafauna.
This new understanding underscores the long-standing relationship between human activity and environmental change, offering valuable insights for addressing today's conservation challenges.
Reference(s):
Study reveals hunting played key role in extinction of large animals
cgtn.com
