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Organized Oral Session

Career Track

Hybrid Session

Session: : The Consequences and Mechanisms of Zoogeochemistry

OOS 3-4 - Understanding anthropogenic impacts on zoogeochemistry is essential for ecological restoration – A case study from the Kalahari

Monday, August 7, 2023
2:15 PM – 2:30 PM PDT
Location: 252
Ecological restoration is critical for climate and biodiversity resilience over the coming century. Today, there is strong evidence that wildlife can significantly influence the distribution and stoichiometry of elements across landscapes, with subsequent impacts on the composition and functioning of ecosystems. Consequently, any anthropogenic activity that modifies this important aspect of zoogeochemistry, such as changes to animal community composition, diet, or movement patterns, may support or hinder restoration goals. It is therefore imperative that the zoogeochemical effects of such anthropogenic modifications are quantified and mapped at high spatiotemporal resolutions to help inform restoration strategies.

Here, I focus on a specific case-study in the Kalahari Desert to demonstrate the multitude of ways in which wildlife management practices can directly and indirectly influence the zoogeochemistry of a landscape. The Kalahari is a nutrient-poor environment. Consequently, any anthropogenic activites that alter zoogeochemical cycles may have profound ecosystem-wide effects, including to plant productivity, carbon storage and community structure. Specifically, I examine how (i) off-site wildlife removal, (ii) provisioning of mineral licks and (iii) manipulation of predator guilds influences the spatial and temporal fertility of this restoration site.

With robust scientific understanding and adequate ecological forecasting, the zoogeochemical impacts of wildlife can thus be used to support ecological restoration and nature-based solutions to climate change. If ignored in the restoration process, the effects of wildlife on elemental landscapes may delay, or even prevent, restoration success.