Replacing wild herbivores with livestock hurting insects in Himalayas
A 15-year study in India's Spiti Valley revealed that replacing wild herbivores with livestock significantly affects ground-dwelling arthropods. Livestock grazing reduced spider populations but increased ticks and mites, posing vector-borne disease risks. Researchers recommend rewilding native herbivores and better managing grazing lands to counteract these ecological disruptions.
A 15-year study in India's Spiti Valley revealed that replacing wild herbivores with livestock significantly affects ground-dwelling arthropods. Livestock grazing reduced spider populations but increased ticks and mites, posing vector-borne disease risks. Researchers recommend rewilding native herbivores and better managing grazing lands to counteract these ecological disruptions.
