Wednesday 6 February 2013

Desert diversity cut by 'human activities'


This article explains that human activities in the world may be having a negative effect on arid environments. Analysis of the human impact on dry land ecosystems suggests it is "drastically changing" mammal communities. Scientists believe the diversity cut is due to activities such as overgrazing livestock. They believe this contributes to increasing local distinctions and a reduction in diversity. The findings are published in the Journal of Arid environments.  and assess how man-made disturbances affect the role of mammals in the ecosystem. 'We report for the first time that in dry lands, the effect of human-induced disturbances on mammal functional diversity is negative," said Ms Chillo, a biologist in the Biodiversity Research Group at the Argentinian Institute of Arid Lands Research. Evidence from 25 studies evaluated the effect of human caused disturbances on mammals in arid and semi-arid lands. Humans were found to have damaged mammal communities. Activities such as Poaching, logging, grazing and the introduction of evasive species. 110 species of animals were included in the study. The ecosystems in Arid environments is very fragile and animals may a key role. Some mammals dig to build nests or find food, which can bring organic material underground, enriching the soil. Many herbivores play an important role in maintaining plant life by eating leaves and dispersing seeds.

L'O'Cleirigh
 http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/19466470

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