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In zoology, megafauna (from Greek μέγας megas "large" and Neo-Latin fauna "animal life") are large animals. The precise definition of the term varies widely, though a common threshold is approximately 45 kilograms (99 lb), with other thresholds as low as 10 kilograms (22 lb) or as high as 1,000 kilograms (2,200 lb).
The Late Pleistocene saw the extinction of many mammals weighing more than 40 kilograms (88 lb), including around 80% of mammals over 1 tonne. The proportion of megafauna extinctions is progressively larger the further the human migratory distance from Africa, with the highest extinction rates in Australia, and North and South America. [12]
Megafauna are large animals, like elephants, whales, and even humans. They are found worldwide, but many of them are now extinct due to human interference and climate change.
The term Australian megafauna refers to the megafauna in Australia [1] during the Pleistocene Epoch. Most of these species became extinct during the latter half of the Pleistocene, and the roles of human and climatic factors in their extinction are contested.
Megafauna are large animals that roamed the Earth during the Pleistocene, 2.5 million to 11,700 years ago. In Australia, megafauna included the huge wombat-shaped Diprotodon and giant goanna Megalania. European megafauna included Woolly Rhinoceroses, Mammoths, Cave Lions and Cave Bears.
The definition of what is megafauna is easily shown on these examples of still living but also extinct species of megafauna from the prehistoric times.
Mastodons, gompotheres, glyptodonts, and many others disappeared roughly 10,000 years ago, an event known as the Late Quarternary Extinction (LQE). (Note: The Pleistocene is an epoch in the Querternary Period.)
Pictures and detailed profiles of over 80 different giant mammals and megafauna of the Cenozoic Era, ranging from Aepycamelus to the Woolly Rhino.
The worldwide extinction of megafauna during the Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene is evident from the fossil record, with dominant theories suggesting a climate, human or combined impact cause.
Here, we review the concept of megafauna and propose a goal-oriented framework for megafauna research, which may support scientific endeavours, improve conservation policy and practice, and strengthen the public perception.