<p>A new meta-analysis across six continents establishes that wild large herbivores affect ecosystems in numerous important ways, from soils to vegetation to smaller animals and promote ecosystem variability. An international team led by researchers from Aarhus University and the University of Göttingen carried out the study. They conclude that conservation and restoration efforts should include large herbivores given their profound, general importance for ecosystems, not least effects that are likely to make ecosystems more resilient to climate change.</p>