Scientists from Oregon State University examined the status and living conditions of 31 kinds of large carnivores from African lions arctic bears. "Fact is that the world's big cats losing," said William Ripple, who led the study. Many species are endangered carnivores, places where they can live happily, are declining. "It is ironic that these beasts are dying at a time when science begins to really come out how much they are important for the ecosystem."
Ripple and his colleague Robert Beschtou among other things, examined the impact of bombs and the nature of wolves to Yellowstone Park. Once there was a decline in the park these beasts turned into the behavior of large ungulates. Those neplašeni nothing, decimated riparian vegetation, which had a further impact on small birds and small mammals. Without wolves are also more numerous bison with deformed hooves or feet defects. Under normal circumstances, the wolves take care of them, without them, however, these individuals managed to reach adulthood and reproduce. This is definitely not good even for bison, scientists warn.
It is not just the impact on nature. With the return of wolves to increase the attractiveness of the park as a tourist destination. And thanks to the greater interest of tourists increased revenue Park tens of millions of dollars.
Similar constraints are associated with other beasts. The abundance of features has a significant effect on the states deer, foxes and hares. In some parts of Africa, led the decline in the number of lions and leopards in a dramatic overgrowth of baboons, who began to decimate crops for local farmers. The loss of sea otters on the coast of Alaska led to a great proliferation of sea urchins, which decimated seaweed.
"A common view of the beast that is detrimental to forest wildlife, fish and threaten livestock, is an anachronism," says Ripple. "On the contrary, it is a species that provide valuable ecological services to their economic value."
Scientists point out an interesting phenomenon. Experience is that where the beast and re-planted their status restored ecosystem is usually rapidly improved. An example is the return of wolves to Yellowstone or features in the forests of Finland.
There are also places where the axle will not be so easy. In areas where there has been such as to soil erosion may not be a return to the status quo at all possible.
Source: Ekolist.cz
