A study done by the University of Queensland found that tigers and elephants, two of Asia’s largest animals, coexist with people today despite trends toward extinction that go back 12,000 years.
The 14 most well-known species in Asia were compared to their current populations in tropical forests using data from paleontological sources.
The numbers of four species—tigers, Asian elephants, wild boars, and clouded leopards—increased in areas with extensive human infrastructure, according to Zachary Amir, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Queensland’s School of Biological Sciences and the Ecological Cascades Lab.
The study also showed that the effects of deforestation were still being felt by wildlife, with populations of clouded leopards in particular experiencing a dramatic decline.
But if they were not killed, enormous animal species, according to Mr. Amir, might coexist with humans in relatively small areas.
At one of their research sites in Singapore, where poaching has been eradicated and considerable forest restoration efforts have been conducted, two large animal species are thriving once more.
Dr. Matthew Luskin of UQ remarked that while there are some encouraging findings, the survey also revealed sharp losses in tapirs, Sumatran rhinoceros, sun bears, guar, and other large animals. According to Dr. Luskin, the research presents a chance to influence the direction of nature.
News Mania Desk
