Reintroducing extirpated herbivores could partially reverse the late Quaternary decline of large and grazing species

Aim Reinstating large, native herbivores is an essential component of ecological restoration efforts, as these taxa can be important drivers processes. However, many herbivore species have gone globally or regionally extinct during the last 50,000 years, leaving simplified assemblages and trophically downgraded ecosystems. Here, we discuss to what extent trophic rewilding undo changes by reinstating herbivores. Location Global. Time period We report functional trait from Late Pleistocene present, estimated under future scenarios. Major studied Wild, large (≥ 10 kg), terrestrial, mammalian Methods use a dataset containing all late Quaternary ≥ kg look at in body mass diet composition assemblages, proxy for species’ effects. First, assess how traits changed present. Next, quantify current would change if extant, wild were restored their ranges (and no replacements used), exploring scenarios with different baselines. Results Defaunation has primarily removed grazing extant across reverse changes, especially when them prehistoric distributions. It partially restore pre-anthropogenic conditions. absence complementary interventions (e.g., introducing replacements), remain down-sized browser dominated, relative Main conclusions Many terrestrial assemblages—and hence ecosystems—would downgraded, even after bringing back Therefore, required achieve complete restoration. Nevertheless, our findings suggest that reintroducing remaining diversify herbivory disturbances assemblages.