Summary
This review examines the multifaceted impacts of large herbivores—both wild megafauna and domestic livestock—on terrestrial ecosystem processes, with particular emphasis on nutrient cycling, soil health, and vegetation dynamics. The authors synthesise evidence suggesting that herbivores play substantial roles in shaping ecosystem structure and function across grasslands, savannas, and other biomes. The work contributes to understanding how herbivore-mediated processes influence soil carbon, nutrient availability, and overall ecosystem resilience.
UK applicability
Findings on herbivore impacts on grassland nutrient cycling and vegetation structure may inform UK grazing management practices and extensive livestock farming systems. However, much of the evidence concerns African savanna megafauna and tropical systems; direct application to UK temperate pastures and upland grazing requires careful contextualisation.
Key measures
Vegetation structure and composition; soil nutrient cycling; carbon dynamics; ecosystem productivity; biodiversity metrics; nutrient transport and biogeochemistry
Outcomes reported
The study examined how large herbivores influence terrestrial ecosystems, including impacts on vegetation, soil processes, nutrient cycling, and broader ecological functions. The research synthesised evidence on megafauna and livestock effects across diverse biomes.
Topic tags
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