How is the elephant a key stone species of the savanna?

Answer 1

Many, many species are dependent on elephants for their survival. Elephants are also integral to vegetative regrowth and healthy habitat. In fact, elephants affect climate and weather.

Elephants are very good at finding water during times of drought. They can smell and sound out underground water that is located near the surface. They dig with their tusks to reach the water and then open it up for their use. Once they leave the water, other species use it, too. This is critical during drought when many animals would die of thirst.

Elephant also help native trees regenerate by pruning and helping prevent detrimental undergrowth. This eliminates overcrowding and promotes healthy habitat.

Elephants have been proven to have a positive effects on the local climate and help prevent devastating wildfires because of their presence in an area.

Elephant manure is extremely rich in nutrition and is a fertilizer, while also spreading seed for new growth of native plants. A fairly well known beetle, the dung beetle, lives on elephant dung. They help break up elephant manure and spread it around, plus use it to nourish their young as well as a food source. The beetle is dependent on elephant dung for its life and it in turn is an integral part of the food chain for many other animals.

Without elephants, the balance of nature will be disrupted, ecosystems will be destroyed, and many other animals will go extinct.