Rewilding wild predators could regenerate the ecosystem
By Jeffrey Akhuetiemhe
As some conservationists and researchers begin to return large carnivores to areas where they once roamed, scientists intensify efforts to study the ecological roles of these predators in the wild, while keeping in mind that losing large predators could have disruptive effects on the ecosystem. However, ecologists seldom investigate whether those negative effects can be reversed by restoring these predators back to their natural homes.
Take the case of capybaras in South America for example. It was theorized that the population of capybaras might fall after the arrival of their ferocious predator, jaguars, which is expected in a prey-predator relationship.
Also, scientists predicted that the behaviour of this animal might change, radically, because of the arrival of their predator. Before their arrival, capybaras were fearless in their community, oftentimes, some were seen dozing off on walk paths. But once they realized there were predators lurking about, they became more vigilant. They spent less time eating and more time watching their environment to avoid being eaten.
This new behaviour affected grass abundance in that environment. From this research, it can be deduced that rewilding wild predators could be beneficial to the ecosystem.
As some conservationists and researchers begin to return large carnivores to areas where they once roamed, scientists intensify efforts to study the ecological roles of these predators in the wild, while keeping in mind that losing large predators could have disruptive effects on the ecosystem. However, ecologists seldom investigate whether those negative effects can be reversed by restoring these predators back to their natural homes.
Take the case of capybaras in South America for example. It was theorized that the population of capybaras might fall after the arrival of their ferocious predator, jaguars, which is expected in a prey-predator relationship.
Also, scientists predicted that the behaviour of this animal might change, radically, because of the arrival of their predator. Before their arrival, capybaras were fearless in their community, oftentimes, some were seen dozing off on walk paths. But once they realized there were predators lurking about, they became more vigilant. They spent less time eating and more time watching their environment to avoid being eaten.
This new behaviour affected grass abundance in that environment. From this research, it can be deduced that rewilding wild predators could be beneficial to the ecosystem.
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