Human factors are responsible for a number of key environmental and species declines today, but has it always been the case?
Oxford University researchers have published a comment piece in the journal Science asking this very question in relation to dwindling megaherbivore populations on the African continent (species of mammals that weigh more than 1000kg, such as Elephants, Giraffes and large Hippos).
In the article, Dr René Bobe a Research Affiliate at Oxford’s School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography, and Dr Susana Carvalho, Associate Professor in Palaeoanthropology at the School and a Fellow of St Hugh's College, offer a perspective on a paper featured in the same issue which suggests that human ancestors have played no role in the demise of these animals.
Read more on the Oxford Science Blog.