Large Mammals and Ecosystem Restoration

Large mammals are crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems and providing essential services to humanity. A new report highlights the decline of large mammal assemblages and the potential for restoration through rewilding. By reintroducing key species, ecosystems can be rebalanced, as demonstrated by the successful reintroduction of wolves in the U.S. The study identifies 20 species that can significantly aid in ecosystem recovery across various regions. With the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration underway, there is a call to focus on large mammals as agents of change.

What role do large mammals play in ecosystems?

• They act as landscape engineers.

• They are primarily predators.

• They only affect aquatic life.

• They are not important for ecosystems.

Which of the following is NOT a service provided by large mammals?

• Generating electricity

• Delivering freshwater

• Preventing wildfires

• Absorbing carbon pollution

What percentage of the world's land currently retains complete large mammal assemblages?

• More than 75%

• Exactly 25%

• About 50%

• Less than 15%

How many species need to be reintroduced to restore more than half of the world's ecoregions?

• 1-3 species

• 10-12 species

• 15-20 species

• 5-7 species

What was the result of reintroducing wolves in the U.S.?

• Decreased carbon storage

• Reduced economic benefits

• Increased wildfires

• Improved water quality

Which continent could restore over 3.2 million square kilometers by reintroducing certain species?

• Europe

• Asia

• North America

• Africa

Which species is NOT mentioned as part of the reintroduction efforts in Latin America?

• Elephant

• Jaguar

• Cougar

• Pampas deer

How many ecoregions in Africa could benefit from reintroducing the hippopotamus, lion, African wild dog, and cheetah?

• 70 ecoregions

• 30 ecoregions

• 50 ecoregions

• 100 ecoregions

What is the total land area that could be restored by reintroducing 20 key species?

• 8.5 million square kilometers

• 5 million square kilometers

• 10 million square kilometers

• 2 million square kilometers

What is the focus of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration?

• Developing new technologies

• Increasing agricultural land

• Building new cities

• Renewed focus on large mammals