Southern elephant seals once thrived in New Zealand, serving as key indicators of Southern Ocean health. Recent research reveals their decline due to climate change and human interference. Insights into their evolutionary history can guide future conservation efforts to protect these seals and the broader marine ecosystem.
Recent research highlights the role of southern elephant seals as indicators of ecological conditions in the Southern Ocean, revealing their previous widespread presence across the region, including New Zealand. Joint senior author Associate Professor Nic Rawlence from Otago University notes that these seals once thrived along New Zealand’s beaches, coexisting with other marine species before human arrival disrupted their habitats.
The research team utilized palaeogenetic techniques on ancient specimens, confirming that southern elephant seals formerly occupied a broader range across the Southern Ocean. The study illustrates how both climate change and human activities have significantly influenced the seals’ distribution, pushing them to the deep Southern Ocean and eradicating them from Australia and New Zealand.
Dr. Mark de Bruyn emphasizes that understanding the historical responses of elephant seals to environmental changes can inform predictions regarding future impacts of climate change on the Southern Ocean ecosystem. Acknowledging their complex evolutionary history suggests that unless proactive measures are implemented to combat climate change and protect marine ecosystems, southern elephant seals may face dire challenges ahead.
The findings were published in the journal Global Change Biology, underlining the importance of recognizing the connections between local wildlife and broader environmental changes. The implications of this research extend beyond elephant seals, highlighting the need for sustainable practices aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals, including climate action and responsible production.
In summary, the study reveals the past prevalence of southern elephant seals in New Zealand and their current struggle against climate change and human impacts. The research underscores the necessity for urgent conservation actions to preserve both the seals and the Southern Ocean ecosystem. The insights gained from the evolutionary response of these animals will be crucial in addressing future ecological challenges in the region.
Original Source: news.griffith.edu.au
