Human activities such as overfishing and trophy hunting are affecting Earth’s oldest and most experienced animals, which play key roles in maintaining ecological balance. In a study published in Science, lead researcher R. Keller Kopf from Charles Darwin University explains how older animals often share their knowledge, enhancing survival within their species. For instance, in elephant herds, older females guide group movements and decision-making based on decades of experience. Similarly, older fish and sea turtles produce significantly more offspring, contributing to population stability.

adapted with permission from Earthweek.com