Animals have been an important part of our lives for thousands of years. There are some animal species however that are more crucial to the planet and its ecosystem than others. These are so important that if somehow, they cease to exist, it will drastically change the ecosystem for the worse and can even destroy it entirely.
The CEO of B A Barry Group and the founder of Geohoney, Mr Basem Barry says
“All of us need to educate ourselves about the animals that keep our ecosystem standing. This can help us preserve these key creatures so that both our planet and its diverse habitats can survive as well as thrive.”
This blog deals with Keystone species in detail. Here you will learn about what keystone species are and what are some animals that fall into this category so keep on reading till the end.
A keystone species is any living organism or animal that has an exceptionally significant and wide role in the development as well as the sustainability or survival of its ecosystem.
Without this species, the ecosystem that it creates will look a lot different, and other species of that ecosystem will likely suffer for its absence.
The keystone species influence the types as well as the numbers of other species in their ecosystems which contributes a lot to its structure and stability.
Following are some of the main keystone species that are responsible for balancing ecosystems across the globe
Honeybees are extremely important for our planet as they are very aggressive pollinators. Apart from providing us with raw honey, these creatures are responsible for the reproduction and growth of a wide range of plants and trees.
Bees are indispensable for our ecosystem as they pollinate up to one-third of the food we humans consume. Moreover, the plants these bees are responsible for growing provide food and shelter to countless other animals which further highlights their importance.
Tiger sharks are predators that keep the population of fish, turtles, dugongs, and other sea creatures in control. They feed on sea animals that destroy the seagrass by eating or laying eggs on it which protects the habitat. The seagrass beds are home to a wide variety of marine life which are able to stay safe thanks to the tiger sharks.
This marine mammal is found in the Northern or Eastern Pacific Ocean. These creatures prey on sea urchins which are detrimental to kelp forests if left unchecked. This way they play a key role in balancing the ecosystem by keeping the forests and their habitats safe.
This is a subspecies of North American Brown Bear known for their large size and exceptional strength. These animals feed on a diverse range of animals and plants. Grizzly Bears can survive on berries or nuts or they can hunt moose or other similar animals.
These animals control prey populations and influence the behaviors of other wildlife to a great extent.
Lions live and hunt in groups called prides which comprise several females, males, and their offspring. These apex predators feed on buffalos, zebras, and wildebeests.
Lions control prey populations which also prevents overgrazing. This way they ensure proper balance as well as diversity in their ecosystem.
This is the largest land animal on the planet with long tusks and huge ears that provide them with protection as well as warmth. This keystone species maintains its ecosystem by trampling the grass to reshape landscapes, creating water holes in riverbeds that have been dried, and clearing trees.
This herbivore spreads the seeds of the plants it feeds on to a wide area via its dung which promotes their growth.
This large reptile is native to the Southern USA. It is considered an apex predator in freshwater-based ecosystems where it creates gator holes that give habitat to other wildlife during dry periods. Moreover, the American alligators also contribute to ecosystem balancing by controlling the prey population.
North American Beavers are a great example of keystone species as they create ponds and wetlands that serve has habitats for fish, birds species, and other wildlife. They also play a key role in preventing soil erosion. Beavers can cut down old trees which makes room for newer or stronger ones that lead to more robust riverbanks.
These wolves are found in Asia, North America, and some regions of Europe where they maintain the structure as well as the health of their ecosystems. These predators keep the elk population in control which protects willows and other wildflowers.
Wolves leave food scraps that other animals like bears, coyotes, or eagles can eat.
This is a social burrowing rodent that you find in the grasslands of North America. The black-tailed prairie dogs create complex underground colonies which aerate the soil thus facilitating the growth of diverse plants.
These burrows also serve as the habitat for other creatures which creates a stable ecosystem in prairies across the globe.
Keystone species animals are responsible for ecosystem engineering as well as preserving the balance. Without these animals, the planet will look a lot different than it does right now.
These animals ensure population control of other wildlife. Moreover, they also create a stable food chain at the global level. This is why it should be your top priority to actively learn more about these species.
This can help you play your part in the conservation as well as survival of these animals and that will ensure that all our ecosystems always stay well-balanced and healthy.
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