News Excerpt:

The effect of large herbivores on plant abundance and diversity depends more on their size and diet than whether they are native or introduced into their host ecosystems, as per a meta-analysis of over 200 studies.

More details on the news:

• Challenging common beliefs: The findings counter the widely held notion that the impacts of introduced megafauna are distinct and more harmful than those of native megafauna.
• Key Role of Large Herbivores: Large herbivores, like elephants and bison, play a crucial role in shaping ecosystems and biodiversity by eating plants, spreading seeds, and creating disturbances.
• Loss of Native Megaherbivores: Many large herbivore species have gone extinct or faced significant declines since the end of the Pleistocene era.
• Introduction of Large Herbivores: Humans have introduced large herbivores worldwide to compensate for the decline of native megafauna, but there's a perception that introduced species may have more negative effects on ecosystems.
• Study Findings: The meta-analysis of 221 studies across six continents found that the impact of introduced megaherbivores on plant abundance and diversity is not determined by their origin but is more influenced by functional traits, specifically body size and dietary preferences.