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Rethinking megafauna.

Marcos Moleón^1,2, José A Sánchez-Zapata³, José A Donázar¹

¹Department of Conservation Biology, Doñana Biological Station-CSIC, Seville, Spain.

Proceedings. Biological Sciences

|March 5, 2020

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The term "megafauna" lacks a universal definition, often relying on size. This study proposes functional definitions like "keystone megafauna" to improve research and conservation efforts.

Keywords:

apex predators body size functional traits keystone species large animals megaherbivores

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Area of Science:

Ecology
Paleontology
Conservation Biology

Background:

Growing concern exists for megafauna due to their significant ecological roles and ecosystem services.
Current definitions of megafauna are inconsistent, often based on ad hoc size criteria.
Lack of a unified definition hinders cross-disciplinary research and conservation efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

To critically assess existing definitions of megafauna.
To propose a goal-oriented framework for megafaunal research.
To introduce function-oriented concepts: 'keystone megafauna' and 'functional megafauna' (including 'apex megafauna').

Main Methods:

Literature review of megafauna definitions and terminology.
Survey of ecologists and paleontologists on species traits defining megafauna.
Analysis of size-related criteria versus functional roles.

Main Results:

Existing megafauna definitions are ecosystem- and research-dependent, primarily using size.
Body size is important but insufficient for defining megafauna across all contexts.
Functional perspectives offer a more robust approach than size alone.

Conclusions:

Proposing 'keystone megafauna' and 'functional megafauna' can unify research and conservation.
Functional definitions enhance cross-disciplinary understanding and public perception.
Scientists should clearly define their use of 'megafauna' in research.