The timing and ecological consequences of Pleistocene megafaunal decline in the eastern Andes of Colombia (thesis)

Abstract

Examining the ecological consequences of Late-Quaternary megafaunal extinctions within biodiversity hotspots is crucial for our understanding of the potential consequences of contemporary extinctions. This research presents the first multi-species record of spores of coprophilous fungi (SCF) from Monquentiva and the high Andean forests of Colombia to reconstruct the Late-Pleistocene and Holocene megafaunal abundance. Fossilised pollen and charcoal are used to examine the consequences of megafaunal declines on the history of the study region. The SCF record indicated the presence of megafauna since at least 30,290 BP; with two periods of megafauna decline at ca. 22,900 and 10,990 BP. At Monquentiva, megafaunal decline in the Early-Holocene resulted in transitional non-analogue vegetation, a loss of some herbivore-dispersed taxa, an encroachment of some palatable and woody flora, and a rise in fire activity. Overall, this research shows that ecosystems in the eastern Colombian Cordillera were highly sensitive to the decline of megafaunal populations. Under the current biodiversity crisis, management and conservation efforts must account for the effect of local herbivore declines on the dispersal of certain plant species, on fire activity and the potential loss of ecosystem services.