This research sheds light on how essential minerals, often overlooked in environmental studies, play a critical role in animal health and reproduction. Unlike humans, who can supplement their diets with vitamins and minerals, wild animals rely on their natural environment to meet their nutritional “needs.”
The study’s authors followed musk deer in Greenland for 25 years, tracking their movements, changes in population and the types of plants they consume. Scientists also analyzed the chemical composition of soil and vegetation in various areas. Combining these data, they found a clear correlation between copper and selenium levels in soil and the number of babies born to deer.
While copper and selenium are beneficial, the research also identified areas with higher levels of harmful pollutants such as arsenic and lead. These areas have been associated with reduced reproductive success in animals, demonstrating the negative impact of pollutants on wildlife health.
Source: Ferra
I am a professional journalist and content creator with extensive experience writing for news websites. I currently work as an author at Gadget Onus, where I specialize in covering hot news topics. My written pieces have been published on some of the biggest media outlets around the world, including The Guardian and BBC News.
