Large grazers are the basis of a varied landscape of flowery grassland shrublands, woodlands and thickets, in which thousands of plant and animal species flourish. A significant proportion of all plants and animals on earth are found in grasslands, shrublands, forest edges and all the transitional zones in between. All these species existed long before humans started altering the landscape, by mowing and cutting the vegetation.

Large grazers naturally provide such variety in a landscape. But how does that work? Wild grazers roam outside all year round, in numbers that match the amount of food available in the most scarce season.

In summer, there is an abundance of food. Plants are not eaten off as much and thus have a chance to bloom and spread seeds. Trees and shrubs can grow up peacefully.

In winter, there is less food and the grazers supplement their diet with bark, buds and twigs. Trees and shrubs are thus naturally pruned. The biodiversity in transitional zones between short grass and upright forest is enormous.

Numerous seeds are stuck in the coats of the large grazers, who disperse them as they wander through the terrain. Manure offers a habitat for dung beetles and many other insects. They, in turn, provide a tasty meal for badgers and birds. Grazers also spread the seeds of grasses, herbs, trees and shrubs in their manure.