Effects of large herbivores on fire regimes and wildfire mitigation

Journal of Applied Ecology, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 58(12), P. 2690 - 2702

Published: Sept. 5, 2021

Abstract Abandonment of agricultural land is widespread in many parts the world, leading to shrub and tree encroachment. The increase flammable plant biomass, that is, fuel load, increases risk intensity wildfires. Fuel reduction by herbivores a promising management strategy avoid build‐up mitigate However, their effectiveness mitigating wildfire damage may depend on range factors, including herbivore type, population density feeding patterns. Here, we review evidence whether with can reduce load wildfires, if so, how identify suitable achieve fire mitigation objectives while providing other ecosystem services. We systematically reviewed studies investigated links between herbivores, hazard, frequency damage. found that, general, most effectively when they are mixed feeders, grazing browsing combined food preferences match local vegetation. In some cases, combination herbivory strategies, such as mechanical clearing, necessary Synthesis Applications . conclude have capacity damage, provide guidance for strategies. As areas undergoing abandonment particularly prone maintenance or promotion domestic wild tool cost‐effective way, also Relevant land‐use policies, suppression forest(ry) policies could incentivise use better prevention.

Language: Английский

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Rewilding should be central to global restoration efforts

One Earth, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 3(6), P. 657 - 660

Published: Dec. 1, 2020

Language: Английский

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Rewilding abandoned farmland has greater sustainability benefits than afforestation

npj Biodiversity, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 2(1)

Published: Feb. 8, 2023

Expansive farmlands in Europe and elsewhere are either already abandoned or projected to become abandoned. Afforestation on these is highly popular, but it only addresses the climate crisis, not biodiversity emergency. An alternative afforestation rewilding, which would contribute combating both crises while also facilitating socio-ecological sustainability by increasing ecosystem resilience.

Language: Английский

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Late‐Quaternary megafauna extinctions have strongly reduced mammalian vegetation consumption

Global Ecology and Biogeography, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 32(10), P. 1814 - 1826

Published: June 22, 2023

Abstract Aim How much stronger would the effects of herbivorous mammals be in natural ecosystems if human‐linked extinctions and extirpations had not occurred? Many mammal species have experienced range contractions, numerous gone extinct late Quaternary, completely or large part linked to human pressures. Therefore, herbivore consumption rates seemingly will deviate from their pre‐anthropogenic state. Here, we estimate size this deviation. Location Terrestrial systems, globally. Time period Current. Major taxa studied All late‐Quaternary terrestrial . Methods We estimated mapped vegetation rate by all mammals. did through estimation densities dietary needs. both current ranges present‐natural ranges, that is absence contractions extinctions. compared these net primary productivity (NPP). summarized results across ecosystem types everywhere as well for only last remaining wilderness areas. Results wild consume a median 11% NPP (at scale 96.5 km × grid cells) areas been higher extirpations, namely 21%. Looking at change per cell, losses result 42% reduction rate. Importantly, very similar declines herbivory what are considered Main conclusions Our suggest interaction mammalian herbivores with world strongly reduced prehistoric historic recent losses, even areas, likely major on structure functioning.

Language: Английский

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A scoping review of the scientific evidence base for rewilding in Europe

Biological Conservation, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 285, P. 110243 - 110243

Published: Sept. 1, 2023

Restoring functional ecosystems is crucial to reversing the global biodiversity and climate crises. The concept of rewilding has gained increasing attention as a proactive tool for achieving ecosystem restoration quickly at scale. However, science been criticised being largely theory-led rather than evidence based, factor that continues stymy policy actions. Here, we conduct scoping review with aim mapping nature extent peer-reviewed literature measured outcomes European projects. Our findings reveal significant growth in this area, although geographical bias towards Netherlands Scandinavian countries. synthesis shows that, not or panacea, there growing base support theoretical propositions it can restore biodiversity, deliver services nature-based economies. To advance field address spatial disparity reporting, propose establishment country-specific networks monitored data-driven experimental projects, focused on national contexts. We also standardizing assessment success across sites should be approached caution, considering site-specific self-defining outcomes. Lastly, emphasize importance careful consideration by practitioners terms large herbivore refaunation efforts Europe. Implementing comprehensive long-term plans manage populations unforeseen effects essential mitigate welfare concerns, overgrazing, reputational risks, while maximizing gains.

Language: Английский

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Understanding Fire Regimes for a Better Anthropocene

Annual Review of Environment and Resources, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 48(1), P. 207 - 235

Published: Aug. 31, 2023

Fire is an integral part of the Earth System and humans have skillfully used fire for millennia. Yet human activities are scaling up reinforcing each other in ways that reshaping patterns across planet. We review these changes using concept regime, which describes timing, location, type fires. then explore consequences regime on biological, chemical, physical processes sustain life Earth. Anthropogenic drivers such as climate change, land use, invasive species shifting regimes creating environments unlike any humanity has previously experienced. Although exposure to extreme wildfire events increasing, we highlight how knowledge can be mobilized achieve a wide range goals, from reducing carbon emissions promoting biodiversity well-being. A perspective critical navigating toward sustainable future—a better Anthropocene.

Language: Английский

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After the mammoths: the ecological legacy of late Pleistocene megafauna extinctions

Cambridge Prisms Extinction, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 1

Published: Jan. 1, 2023

The significant extinctions in Earth history have largely been unpredictable terms of what species perish and traits make susceptible. occurring during the late Pleistocene are unusual this regard, because they were strongly size-selective targeted exclusively large-bodied animals (i.e., megafauna, >1 ton) disproportionately, herbivores. Because these also at particular risk today, aftermath can provide insights into how loss or decline contemporary may influence ecosystems. Here, we review ecological consequences on major aspects environment, communities ecosystems, as well diet, distribution behavior surviving mammals. We find megafauna pervasive left legacies detectable all parts system. Furthermore, that roles extinct modern play system not replicated by smaller-bodied animals. Our highlights important perspectives paleoecology for conservation efforts.

Language: Английский

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Pyrogeography in flux: Reorganization of Australian fire regimes in a hotter world

Global Change Biology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 30(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2024

Changes to the spatiotemporal patterns of wildfire are having profound implications for ecosystems and society globally, but we have limited understanding extent which fire regimes will reorganize in a warming world. While predicting regime shifts remains challenging because complex climate-vegetation-fire feedbacks, climate niches provides simple way identify locations most at risk change. Using globally available satellite datasets, constructed 14 metrics describing dimensions then delineated Australia's pyroregions-the geographic area encapsulating broad regime. Cluster analysis revealed 18 pyroregions, notably including (1) high-intensity, infrequent fires temperate forests, (2) high-frequency, smaller tropical savanna, (3) low-intensity, diurnal, human-engineered agricultural zones. To inform shifts, identified where under three CMIP6 scenarios is projected shift (i) beyond each pyroregion's historical niche, (ii) into space that novel Australian continent. Under middle-of-the-road projections (SSP2-4.5), an average 65% pyroregions occurred their by 2081-2100. Further, 52% pyroregion extents, on average, were occur without present-day analogues continent, implying high shifting states also lack counterparts. Pyroregions hot-arid climates both locally continentally narrower than southern already-hot lead earlier departure from space. Such implies widespread emergence no-analogue regimes. Our approach can be applied other regions assess vulnerability rapid

Language: Английский

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De-Extinction Beyond Species: Restoring Ecosystem Functionality through Large Herbivore Rewilding

Cambridge Prisms Extinction, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 1 - 14

Published: Jan. 13, 2025

This perspective positions rewilding as a novel approach to ecosystem restoration, emphasising the restoration of natural processes create self-willed ecosystems. Central European is de-domestication cattle and horses act functional analogues extinct aurochs wild horses. de-extinction pathway shifts focus from loss species their ecological roles caused by human actions commencing millennia ago. The on restoring effects provides strong policy rationale for large herbivore de-domestication, aligning with nature-based solutions address environmental challenges. alignment requires pragmatic that prioritises functions over genetic purity offers flexibility scalability in efforts. I argue creating new category 'ecosystem engineer' livestock more effective than seeking status these animals. As they are released into recovering ecosystems, de-domesticated herbivores recreating roles, 'life-spheres' interactions. These open avenues both extinction discourse theory encourage us explore how de-extinct can drive recovery

Language: Английский

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The Potential of Agricultural Conversion to Shape Forest Fire Regimes in Mediterranean Landscapes

Ecosystems, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 23(1), P. 34 - 51

Published: April 22, 2019

Language: Английский

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