Moose may be contributing to climate change, according to recent research conducted by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. The study claims that the large animals are altering the carbon cycle in Norway’s forests by feasting on tree buds, which significantly affects vegetation growth. The researchers have suggested that moose are potentially one of the biggest single sources of carbon emissions from wooded areas in Norway.
“Moose are an ecosystem engineer in the forest ecosystem and strongly impact everything from species composition and nutrient availability in the forest,” said Gunnar Austrheim, an ecologist at the NTNU University Museum. Moose can consume up to 50 kilograms of biomass each day during the summer months, which has a significant impact on the forest’s nutrient availability and species composition.
Moose tend to consume birch and young trees, which researchers claim reduces the amount of carbon stored in trees. By reducing the amount of carbon stored in trees, moose are potentially contributing to the warming of the planet.
While it may be surprising that a species like the moose could contribute to climate change, it is crucial to consider the impact of all species on the environment. The study’s findings emphasize the need for a balanced ecosystem to ensure a sustainable future. The research may also encourage further studies to examine the impact of other large herbivores on the environment and their potential contribution to climate change.