Apr 15, 2021 10:15 PM EDT
(Photo : Wikimedia Commons)
(Photo : Pexels)
The Amazon and Congo tropical forests, east Siberian and northern Canadian forests and tundra, and the Sahara are among the wilderness areas unaffected by human activities. Invasive foreign animals such as cats, foxes, rabbits, goats, and camels have had a significant effect on native species in Australia, with no intact areas remaining, according to the report.
The researchers propose reintroducing a limited number of valuable animals, such as elephants or wolves, to some endangered regions. This development could return up to 20% of the world's land to ecological integrity.
Satellite Imaging
Previous studies used satellite imaging to identify wilderness areas, estimating that 20-40 percent of the Earth's surface is unaffected by humans. However, the researchers behind the new study argue that while trees, savannah, and tundra may appear to be in good condition from above, essential species lack land. Elephants, for example, disperse seeds and establish significant clearings in forests, while wolves may manage deer and elk populations.