Testing the effects of ecologically extinct mammals on vegetation in arid Australia: A long‐term experimental approach

Abstract The loss of species from ecosystems can have cascading impacts on interactions and ecosystem function. Australia has experienced the greatest mammals globally in past 200 years, but we know little how this suite engineers herbivores affected vegetation. We used a threatened mammal reintroduction sanctuary to investigate effects ecologically extinct plant assemblages. First, tested net using long‐term exclusion experiment within sanctuary. Second, three‐year disturbance determine relative roles herbivory physical driving changes Third, compared outcomes inside outside reintroduced differed contemporary Plant richness was plots declined across all treatments 2011 2018, probably due drought. composition changed response exclusion, with six increasing significantly, shrubs myrmecochorous plants becoming more common large‐seeded less common. Responses experimental were clear. Grass resprouters common, palatable (exposed assemblage). Our study shows that reintroductions substantial assemblages, both through engineering herbivory, these differ those faunas, suggesting pre‐European Australian markedly different ecosystems.