Overview
Research conducted by scientists from the Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences (BC CAS) investigated the impact of trophic rewilding by large herbivores on insect diversity. The study, published in the Journal of Applied Ecology, examined five insect groups across eleven rewilded sites in Czechia, focusing on areas where large ungulates—horses, aurochs cattle, and wisents—had been reintroduced.
Research Context
Insect populations are experiencing declines across Europe. This research specifically addresses whether the reintroduction of large ungulates, through a process described as trophic rewilding, could help mitigate these declines.
Approach
The researchers surveyed five distinct insect groups. This survey was carried out across eleven different sites located in Czechia. All eleven sites were characterized by the presence of large ungulates, specifically horses, aurochs cattle, and wisents, indicating a rewilding initiative involving these species.
Findings
The study indicated that rewilding landscapes with large ungulates supports insect diversity. The observed effect suggests a potential to mitigate insect decline. This conclusion is based on observations made across the surveyed insect groups and rewilded sites.
Why This Matters
Given the reported decline of insect populations across Europe, the findings suggest a strategy for mitigating these declines through ecosystem restoration efforts involving large herbivores. The reintroduction of specific ungulate species into landscapes may contribute to supporting insect diversity.
Research Source
Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences (BC CAS)