Researchers from Flinders University have cracked the longstanding enigma surrounding the rapid disappearance of dwarf elephants and hippos on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus.
Human Impact: The Culprit Behind Extinction
New research reveals that Paleolithic hunter-gatherers arriving around 14,000 years ago likely drove these species to extinction in less than 1,000 years.
The Study
Using advanced mathematical models combining paleontology, archaeology, and ecological data, scientists demonstrated that:
- 3,000-7,000 hunter-gatherers likely caused extinction.
- Human energy demand, diet, prey selection, and hunting efficiency led to extinction.
- Dwarf hippos were hunted first, followed by dwarf elephants.
Key Findings
- Human settlement led to rapid extinction.
- Small human populations can disrupt ecosystems and cause major extinctions.
- Cyprus’ insular environment provided a unique window into the past.
Expert Insights
“Palaeolithic peoples in Cyprus were at least partially responsible for megafauna extinctions.” – Professor Corey Bradshaw
“Cyprus offers an ideal setting to test our models.” – Dr. Theodora Moutsiou
Reference
“Small populations of Palaeolithic humans in Cyprus hunted endemic megafauna to extinction” (Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 2024)
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