9. Climate Change Resilience
Capybaras play an unexpected but crucial role in enhancing ecosystem resilience to climate change. Their grazing habits help maintain grassland ecosystems, which are vital for carbon sequestration. By preventing the invasion of woody plants in grassland areas, they help preserve these important carbon stores. Their activities in wetland environments support the maintenance of these critical ecosystems, which are essential for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Their movement patterns help distribute water during both wet and dry seasons, strengthening ecosystems against extreme weather events. Their seed dispersal activities enable plant migration and establishment in new areas, helping plant populations adapt to changing conditions. Studies suggest that ecosystems with healthy capybara populations retain better ecological function during extreme weather events and exhibit greater resilience to climate-related stressors.
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