ECO-ENGINEERING BY ANIMALS: THE ROLE OF FAUNA IN SHAPING ECOSYSTEMS

Abstract

Animals play a crucial role as eco-engineers by actively modifying their habitats, thereby influencing ecosystem structure and function. Through behaviors such as burrowing, grazing, nest-building, and seed dispersal, fauna create and maintain habitat heterogeneity, which supports biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. These animal-driven alterations can affect nutrient cycling, soil composition, water dynamics, and plant community composition. Understanding the multifaceted interactions between animals and their environment is essential for conservation efforts and ecosystem management. This review highlights the diverse mechanisms by which animal activities contribute to ecosystem engineering and emphasizes their importance in sustaining ecological balance.