New research reveals older animals’ role in species survival
Texas A&M expert aids global study on how longevity conservation helps wildlife populations
A collaborative study involving the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology highlights the important roles older animals play in their populations and the ecological ripple effects of their loss.
The paper, “Loss of Earth’s old, wise and large animals,” published in Science, examines how older animals contribute to survival knowledge, reproduction, offspring survival and stability of social structures.
The research was conducted by an interdisciplinary team of researchers from Texas A&M University; the Charles Darwin University, Charles Sturt University and Macquarie University, all in Australia; the University of Exeter and University of Stirling in England; and the Amboseli Trust for Elephants in Kenya.
Longevity conservation and survival adaptations
Kirk Winemiller, Ph.D., University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, contributed to the project led by Keller Kopf, Ph.D., an ecologist at Charles Darwin University.
Winemiller said the study introduces the concept of “longevity conservation,” which emphasizes that older, more experienced animals serve as reservoirs of crucial knowledge for survival and sometimes are larger individuals that affect ecosystems in important ways.
For instance, older elephants lead migrations using knowledge of water sources and forage gained over decades, impacting herd survival. Similarly, whales and birds rely on experienced leaders during long migrations.
“This study gives us insights into management strategies for sustaining populations of long-lived animals,” he said. “Their experience or size enhances survival and reproductive success and can even influence entire ecosystems.”
Winemiller said scientists have obtained extensive evidence from a variety of animal species that demonstrates the high value of old animals. The published study synthesizes those findings, introducing ‘longevity conservation’ as a new approach for managing these animals, likening their ecological role to that of old growth forests.
