© Global Change Biology (2022). DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16316Map of species richness, phylogenetic diversity, and functional diversity for each region. Panels show estimated values 8000 years ago, change associated with extirpations (losses), change associated with introductions, reintroductions and other range expansions (gains), and overall change (net change). Map lines delineate study areas and do not necessarily depict accepted national boundaries.
The study, published in Global Change Biology and led by the University of York, found that recent species recovery and the introduction of non-native species has increased diversity by equivalent or greater amounts in many European regions, despite loss of habitat and local extinctions in many areas.
Comment: Note how many 'extinction' claims have later been found to have been false alarms, here: Another 'extinct' animal found alive, this time it's the Galápagos tortoise
If the current momentum for conservation and rewilding projects continues, alongside projects to reintroduce mammals once driven from Europe's rivers, forests and mountains — such as wolves, beavers and lynx — there is the potential to increase diversity beyond the levels seen 8,000 years ago in most regions, the researchers say.
Comment: Is it wise to try to do that? Is more biodiversity always a good thing? Would the quality of life if humans need to suffer in order to achieve these goals?
While some island mammals are now extinct, only two species that roamed the mainland 8,000 years ago have been permanently lost globally — the Aurochs (a wild ancestor of the cow) and the European Wild Ass.
Dr. Jack Hatfield from the Leverhulme Center for Anthropocene Biodiversity at the University of York, said, "Although our study does not look at gains and losses in numbers of animals within species, it offers a hopeful vision for the future. The great majority of Europe's mammals are still here and if promises to give more land over to nature are upheld, biodiversity levels could increase beyond the levels seen by our ancestors.|
Comment: This brings to mind the UK governments rather sinister rewilding agenda that is working towards getting to farmers leave productive agricultural land fallow amidst burgeoning food shortages: England's farmers to be paid to 'rewild' land, despite soaring food costs & supply issues
"Many studies have shown large declines in some populations so it is surprising how well nature can adapt to anthropogenic changes at a regional scale.
Comment: Or maybe those studies were skewed - either intentionally or by way of ideology - in order to support a particular narrative. One should ask why this study's conclusion, overall, seems to conflict with the others. It's telling that the researchers thought that 'anthropogenic changes' would have had a more significant impact than it really did.
The success of conservation actions like reintroduction programs such as beavers and bison being brought back to many European countries, along with the movement of non-native species around Europe have also served to maintain biodiversity levels."
Comment: One wonders just how many of these reintroduction programs have actually been successful, and how much they really contributed: Rewilding fail: Rare Iberian lynx released in Portugal then spotted in Barcelona to be recaptured
Co-author of the study, Professor Chris Thomas, Director of the Leverhulme Center for Anthropocene Biodiversity, added, "while it is not possible to return the natural environment to the way it was 8,000 years ago, not all change is bad and our study highlights the possibility of a positive future for our relationship with Europe's mammals."
The study compared present day data with data from archaeological records identifying the presence of mammals 8,000 years ago, when there were only an estimated five million people on the planet and early farming was spreading across Europe.
The researchers chose this time period as a point of comparison as the climate had recently become more stable, making it easier to distinguish between man-made impacts on species and naturally occurring changes. Species such as the Wooly Rhino and Mammoth had already disappeared at the end of the last ice age.
The researchers caution that while their study paints a hopeful picture for Europe's mammals, the same may not be true in other parts of the world where rapid habitat destruction is taking place.
Comment: See also: