Think humans vs. Ice Age megafauna is just a movie plot? Think again! A new study by the University of Adelaide reveals human activity was a key driver in the extinction of the iconic woolly rhinoceros .
Researchers found that sustained hunting by ancient humans blocked the shaggy giants from reaching their preferred habitats in northern Eurasia as the last ice age ended. This \"habitat squeeze\" disrupted their survival strategies, making them vulnerable to climate shifts and competition.
The findings challenge older theories that solely blame climate change. \"It’s like a survival video game where humans added extra difficulty levels,\" said one scientist, highlighting how early human populations impacted ecosystems long before industrial times.
Why care about a creature that vanished 14,000 years ago? This research offers a cautionary tale for modern conservation efforts —showing how human actions, even pre-industrial ones, can tip the balance for species survival.
Humans Played Key Role in Woolly Rhino Extinction, Study Finds
A new study by the University of Adelaide reveals human activity was a key driver in the extinction of the iconic woolly rhinoceros 
.
The findings challenge older theories that solely blame climate change. \"It’s like a survival video game where humans added extra difficulty levels,\" said one scientist, highlighting how early human populations impacted ecosystems long before industrial times.
—showing how human actions, even pre-industrial ones, can tip the balance for species survival.
Ozone Threatens Tropical Forests’ Climate Fight,…