By the end of the 19th century, herds of American bison crossed the North American plains in astonishing numbers, but they were nearly exterminated in a few decades. Nowadays, although the total population of bison in the United States and southern Canada amounts to 400,000, the majority live on private ranches and are considered functionally extinct by the biologists. Only one herd of 3,500 bison in Yellowstone preserves the freedom to migrate and maintain its role as architects of the ecosystem. A recent study published in the journal 'Science' demonstrates that these herds contribute significantly to the maintenance of grasslands, promoting a nutrient cycle that doubles soil productivity. This cycle demonstrates that the natural grazing of bison is more effective and less destructive than that of domesticated animals.
In an environmental parallel, the African forest elephant in Cameroon also faces a dramatic decline due to poaching. These pachyderms are essential for seed dispersal, such as those of the ebony tree, whose wood is highly valued. A study in the African jungle found that where elephants have been exterminated, young ebony trees have declined significantly and show lower genetic diversity, since these animals not only disperse the seeds, but also protect them from rodent predation. The disappearance of elephants could lead to a collapse in the regeneration of these trees, affecting not only the ecosystem, but also any future initiative to restore the elephant population. Both cases illustrate how the survival of certain species is crucial for environmental balance and highlight the urgent need for spaces that allow these species to fulfill their natural role.
Read the full news article on The Country.
