Reintroducing or reinforcing populations of large herbivores, like deer, bison, wild horses, and semi-wild bovines can significantly impact forest structure and dynamics.
In Milovice, Czech Republic, large animals have been reintroduced to graze, wallow and break vegetation, creating a mosaic of habitats. These activities help maintain open areas, promote plant diversity and create conditions for other species to thrive.
Large herbivores also play a role in seed dispersal and nutrient cycling which further enhances ecosystem health.
Activity: Creating conditions for other species to thrive
Allow 5 minutes
On the right-hand side below are nine outcomes of natural activities.
Drag and drop each activity into the correct category on the left-hand side:
soil disturbance
dead wood
dynamic forests.
The nine outcomes of natural activities are as follows. Storm, disease, insect pests and fire clear areas; Amphibians and reptiles hide under or sunbathe on top; Provides a bridge for mice, predators and ground beetles; Birds help spread seeds to new areas; Conflicts between grazers disturb the ground; Water buffalo create a puddle by wallowing; Burrowing animals bring oxygen and water in the soil; Large grazers keep growth in check; Provides a bridge for mice, predators and ground beetles.
The three categories to place the nine outcomes are ‘Soil disturbance’, ‘Dead wood’ and ‘Dynamic forests’. The correct answers are as follows – Soil disturbance is: Conflicts between grazers disturb the ground; Water buffalo create a puddle by wallowing; Burrowing animals bring oxygen and water in the soil. Dead wood is: Indispensable for food, residence and as a breeding place; Amphibians and reptiles hide under or sunbathe on top; Provides a bridge for mice, predators and ground beetles. Dynamic forests is: Storm, disease, insect pests and fire clear areas; Birds help spread seeds to new areas; Large grazers keep growth in check.
