In 1869, 100 sheep were introduced to Mexico's Socorro Island; the herd grew to about 5,000 and damaged 30% of the island, then removing 1,762 helped forest cover rise from 29% to 85%
- Representative Image (AI-generated)Imagine an island where a herd introduced for ranching gradually became one of the biggest threats to its native ecosystem.
- That is what happened on Mexico’s Socorro Island, where about 100 sheep introduced in 1869 eventually became feral and reached an estimated 5,000 animals by 1960.
- Over decades, overgrazing contributed to severe vegetation loss and erosion across the island.
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- Representative Image (AI-generated)Imagine an island where a herd introduced for ranching gradually became one of the biggest threats to its native ecosystem.
- That is what happened on Mexico’s Socorro Island, where about 100 sheep introduced in 1869 eventually became feral and reached an estimated 5,000 animals by 1960.
- Over decades, overgrazing contributed to severe vegetation loss and erosion across the island.
Sources: Times of India