Unveiling Cyprus's Lost Giants: Human Impact on Ancient Wildlife

The article explores human arrival on Cyprus around 14,000 years ago and examines how early human settlers may have contributed to the extinction of the island’s dwarf hippos and elephants. Using mathematical models, researchers show that even small human populations could have led to these extinctions within 1,000 years.

Researchers have uncovered new insights into the human impact on Cyprus's ancient wildlife, specifically the dwarf hippos and elephants, which once thrived on the island. Evidence suggests humans arrived on Cyprus between 14,000 and 13,000 years ago, well before these species went extinct.

The study utilized mathematical models to estimate the effects of human hunting on these animals, considering factors such as population size, longevity, and fertility. Results show that even small human populations, ranging from 3,000 to 7,000 individuals, could have driven the dwarf hippos and elephants to extinction in under 1,000 years.

This research highlights the significant role human activity may have played in the extinction of megafauna on Cyprus during the Late Pleistocene and early Holocene. The findings underscore the broader impact of human presence on ecosystems, especially during periods of rapid environmental change.

(With inputs from agencies.)