Vicuña poop creates biodiversity hotspots as glaciers retreat rapidly

A recent study in the high Andes of Peru found that vicuñas, wild relatives of llamas, establish communal latrines in barren areas left by melted glaciers. These latrines are rich in nutrients, moisture, and microorganisms, helping plants colonize faster. With Peru losing glaciers rapidly, this process could provide refuge for plant species moving uphill due to climate change. The study suggests that vicuñas’ behavior could speed up ecosystem development by up to a century. However, challenges like glacier loss and sarcoptic mange outbreaks in vicuña populations must be addressed for long-term conservation benefits.

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