Dwarf hippos and elephants in Cyprus extinct after hunter-gatherers arrived
- A small population of 3,000 to 7,000 hunter-gatherers arrived in Cyprus around 14,000 years ago.
- This led to the extinction of dwarf hippos and dwarf elephants within a century.
- The findings suggest that even small human populations can significantly disrupt ecosystems and cause major extinctions.
Around 14,000 years ago, a small population of hunter-gatherers, estimated at 3,000 to 7,000 individuals, arrived on the island of Cyprus, leading to the rapid extinction of its unique megafauna, including dwarf hippos and dwarf elephants. These species, the 130kg dwarf hippo (Phanourios minor) and the 500kg dwarf elephant (Palaeoloxodon cypriotes), vanished within a century of human arrival. Researchers, led by Professor Corey Bradshaw, conducted a thorough review of archaeological records and developed models to understand the dietary habits of these early inhabitants. The findings challenge the prevailing belief that small human populations could not significantly impact local ecosystems. The study suggests that the presence of these mammals made them vulnerable to extinction due to the appealing meat they provided to the hunter-gatherers. The research highlights the potential for small groups of humans to disrupt native ecosystems, even with limited technological advancements. Dr. Theodora Moutsiou emphasized that Cyprus serves as an ideal case study due to its insular environment, which allows for a clearer examination of the relationship between human arrival and megafauna extinction. The island's unique conditions provide valuable insights into how human activities can lead to significant ecological changes. This research lays the groundwork for a deeper understanding of the dynamics between early human populations and native species, illustrating the profound impact that even a small number of people can have on biodiversity and ecosystem stability.