Rodents in the desert

1991/03/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Ekologia

Did you know that snails have much to do to resurrect the desert? C. G. Jones and H. Israeli researchers Shachak analyze the most abundant drawing of the Negev desert. In this Israeli desert the most common is the species of Euchondrus albulus marraskilo. He leaves his shelter at night and feeds on the lichen that covers the rocks.

In the morning, these gastropods get into stones and defend themselves there. Laboratory tests have shown that 27% of nitrates accumulated by lichens are returned to the soil after defecation. Defecating under rocks is very good for plant growth. The holes below the rocks are suitable for the settlement of certain plant species, since they maintain a low degree of humidity.

Therefore, snails, along with other ornamental species (ants, termites, etc. ), are precious elements for the transformation of deserts.