Why Do Bats Hang Upside Down While They Sleep? What Is The Fibonacci Sequence? Great apes, including orangutans, are of great scientific interest due to their high cognitive abilities and the many similarities they share behaviorally and physically with humans. To slow the decline of the elephant population many conservation organisations have made these tusked creatures the focus of their conservation efforts – like the projects set up by the Save the Elephants organisation and the WWF African Elephant Programme. Why should you save elephants? Elephants dig wells to access water underground. She studies wild Asian elephants (their behavior and genetics, interactions with humans) for a living, and thinks it’s the coolest job in the world. As you can see, elephants play a very important role in their respective ecosystems. Honey badgers then capitalize on this collection and feed on beetle larvae! Elephants are the largest mammals on land, and they are found across Africa and Asia. Areas heavily damaged by elephants are home to more species of amphibians and reptiles than areas when the beasts are excluded, a study suggests. These seeds, in turn, grow into new plants, grasses and bushes. We have animals as massive as elephants and rhinos. (Photo Credit : Tanes Ngamsom/Shutterstock). Many regions arounds the globe are facing a crisis of water scarcity. Rhinos not only help keep dams and waterholes open but are also responsible for the mini ‘wallow dams’ dotted around the edge of dams and waterholes that afford species coming to drink, such as tambourine doves, some protection from predation by terrapins. This website uses cookies for an improved user experience. As elephants move from one area to another, they help plants colonize and grow in newer regions, thus creating additional habitats for animals. What Is The Huntsman Spider? When resources are scarce, however, they can obtain other minerals, especially sodium, directly from the soil. Each of these organisms plays a unique role in their particular environment, and their survival is largely dependent on one another. They provide numerous ecosystem services, such as providing food, shelter and water, helping to create pathways in forests, and identifying salt licks. By continuing to browse you are agreeing to our use of cookies. By continuing to browse you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Dung beetles are also known to collect elephant dung and store it as a source of food for their larvae. Elephant dung is a food resource for many species, primarily insects. Elephants are among the most intelligent of the creatures with whom we share the planet, with complex consciousnesses that are capable of strong emotions. It’s clear how the presence of elephants in an ecosystem benefits fauna and flora alike. Besides feeding on dung, dung beetles also bury the dung below the ground where their larvae can feed and grow. The clearance of some thorny bushes also allows more. This assists in keeping the savannah an open plain, interspersed with trees and bushes – instead of overrun by them – and supports the type of species that like to live in the savannah biome.Â. We, humans, are actually part of the ecosystems itself that should be living in harmony with other organisms. Why are Elephants Important? After animals drop off a dung pat, dung beetles can be seen streaming towards it, hoping to grab their share of the nutritious solids and fluids it contains.Â, But elephant dung can serve up so many more portions for dung beetles to dine on. As elephants move from one area to another, they help plants colonize and grow in newer regions, thus creating additional, As you know, elephants are a solid, well-built species, which means that they are capable of trampling quite a few plants while walking from one area to another. What Role Do Elephants Play In Ecosystems? Is It Better To Cover A Sneeze With Your Hand Or Elbow. This creates a clearance in densely vegetated areas, enabling smaller animals to move more freely. Elephant droppings act as a fertilizer, which is import to improve the soil condition. The African elephant is the largest herbivore in the world, and even though the Asian elephant is smaller in stature, it’s still considered one of the herbivorous heavyweights of the animal kingdom. Where can I volunteer in India to make an impact in sustainable development? Underwater, gigantic beings like killer whales and dugongs wander alongside smaller creatures like sea horses and clownfish. However, have you ever wondered… what role do individual species play in our ecosystem? These seeds, in turn, grow into new plants, grasses and bushes. Other larger external factors determine an ecosystem’s climate, time, topography, and material at the earth’s surface — these fact… The dung also acts as a fertilizer and provides numerous nutrients that promote germination and growth. we respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously. And elephant seed dispersal provides opportunities for plants to colonise new areas, which eventually creates new habitats and food for a range of different animals. For instance, the Great Elephant Census – the world’s largest wildlife survey – confirmed, a 30% decrease in the global African elephant population. They can then use their tusks to dig for water and create new watering holes, which allows them to survive during the drought season. As a result, innumerable insects swarm near freshly deposited dung. Be the first to answer! (L) African elephant (Loxodonta Africana) and (R) (Elephas maximus) (Photo Credit : Volodymyr Burdiak & Nuttaya Maneekhot/Shutterstock). These watering holes are not only used by elephants, however, but many other species as well. Elephants contribute to the health of the environment in many different ways, and elephant conservation efforts are important in ensuring that they’re always around to do what they do best – be elephants! (A) Multiple elephant prints with anuran eggs and larva, (B) close up of individual footprint with eggs. Why Are There Stones Along Railway Tracks? So, I asked some people after their tours why they think elephants … Scientists have noticed that African elephants get cancer much less often than humans. Well, African and Asian elephants are keystone species, meaning that the environments that they live in would be greatly affected if they weren’t around. Ecosystems provide various functions and services that directly or indirectly benefit us as a human. African elephants are the largest mammal on earth, up to 14 feet (4 meters) tall and weighing in around 8 tons (6,300-7,300 kg). What Would Happen If You Shot A Bullet On A Train? Elephants play a crucial role in our environment. Why Is It So Special? Minerals are essential for the growth and development of most creatures, including elephants. Elephants are called nature’s gardeners due to how they change landscapes by digging waterholes, creating footpaths, opening up habitats and dispersing seeds in their dung. Elephants serve a critical role in our ecosystem and are therefore known as a “keystone species.” Keystone species are those that provide vital ecosystem services, many of which are essential for the survival of other species in the community. The dung also acts as a fertilizer and provides numerous nutrients that promote germination and growth. 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