Animals as Master Architects

Humankind doesn't have a monopoly on shaping the world around us, animals also are master architects of the natural world. A recent study led by Professor Gemma Harvey of Queen Mary University of London, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveals that over 600 species actively shape the landscapes we depend on. From vast termite mounds visible from space to hippos carving drainage systems and beavers creating entire wetlands, nature’s engineers are hard at work.

The study identified 603 species, genera, or families that drive Earth’s surface processes. Tiny ants shift soil, while salmon reshape riverbeds—together, these animals contribute an estimated 76,000 gigajoules of energy annually, a force comparable to hundreds of thousands of extreme floods. Though impressive, this figure is likely conservative given significant research gaps in biodiverse tropical regions.

Surprisingly, freshwater ecosystems—covering just 2.4% of the planet’s surface—host over one-third of these influential species. Beyond the more well-known examples, the research spotlights a diverse array of insects, mammals, fish, birds, and reptiles that subtly and powerfully mold our environment.

“This research shows that the role of animals in shaping Earth's landscapes is much more significant than previously recognized,” explains Professor Harvey. As almost 30% of the identified species are rare, endemic, or threatened, their essential landscape changing contributions could vanish before their full impact is understood.

These insights not only highlight nature’s engineering feats but also offer promising pathways for conservation and ecosystem restoration. Rewilding and species reintroduction projects—such as the reintroduction of beavers to restore wetlands—could harness these natural processes to combat erosion and flooding, ultimately promoting healthier, more resilient landscapes.