Which grazing mammals live in Mediterranean vegetation regions?
Grazing mammals are common in regions characterized by Mediterranean vegetation, which includes ecosystems such as the maquis, garigue, chaparral, fynbos, matorral, and mallee. These mammals play a significant role in the ecology of these scrubland environments.1
Common grazing mammals found in these regions include:
- Deer1
- Wild sheep12
- Goats12
- Small antelope (specifically in southern Africa)1
- Kangaroos (in Australia)1
In addition to these, other wild animals such as wild boars and wildcats may be found in the mountain woodlands associated with Mediterranean Europe. It is important to note that human activity, including heavy grazing by domestic animals like goats, has historically contributed to the conversion of forests into scrubland in many Mediterranean areas. Conversely, overgrazing by cattle can further shift these scrubland communities toward grasslands.231