Protecting Elephants and Fruit-Eaters Benefits Our Climate

A recent revelation from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) suggests a simple yet effective step towards combating climate change: safeguarding large fruit-eating creatures like elephants, gorillas, tapirs, and hornbills. Surprisingly, this move isn’t just about wildlife Conservation, it’s intrinsically linked to the health of our planet.

Source: Context/YouTube

These magnificent creatures, often hunted for both illegal and commercial gains, play a pivotal role in the carbon storage capacity of forests. Why? They feast on fruits and disperse the seeds of tree species known for storing large amounts of carbon. Without these animals, forests gradually shift to trees that store less carbon, undermining our natural carbon capture systems.

Elizabeth Bennett of WCS highlighted a growing concern: many tropical forests are becoming ’empty’ due to relentless hunting, which not only threatens biodiversity but also the carbon sequestration potential of these woods.

Furthermore, regions like the Neotropics show notable reductions in tree biomass due to the loss of large animals. These animals used to disperse seeds from trees that were dense in wood, ultimately helping in carbon storage.

Interestingly, while global restoration efforts are commendable, they sometimes miss the mark. Planting typically focuses on small-seeded species, overlooking the carbon-rich large-seeded varieties that rely on animal dispersal. If the large fruit-eaters diminish in number, the forests lose their most efficient carbon-capturing trees.

Furthermore, the importance of ecologically intact forests cannot be overstated. These vast, pristine expanses annually absorb an impressive 3.6 billion tons of CO2. As John Robinson notes, maintaining the diverse wildlife in these forests enhances their carbon capture ability.

Beyond the trees, hunting impacts our climate through the loss of carbon stored in the bodies of the hunted animals themselves. For instance, consider the forest elephant, a walking reservoir of carbon. The massive decline in their numbers translates to a significant carbon storage loss.

In conclusion, while initiatives like REDD+ commendably focus on carbon in trees, it’s crucial to broaden this vision. Recognizing the intrinsic value of wildlife in carbon sequestration can pave the way for sustainable, carbon-friendly forest and wildlife management strategies. So, next time you think of the gentle giants of the forest, remember, they’re not just wildlife – they’re our partners in climate action!

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