Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.

Wildfires Threaten to Wipe Out Species, Just Like They Did 13,000 Years Ago

Wildfire Threatens Species

Southern California has a fiery history. While the wildfires we experience today are alarming, it’s not the first time this region has faced such challenges. A look into the past reveals that around 13,000 years ago, a wave of fires drastically changed the area’s vegetation and even contributed to a massive global extinction.

Let’s dive into the story.

The Mysterious Extinction of the Ice Age

In the era termed the “Age of Mammals,” post the extinction of dinosaurs, mammoth-sized creatures roamed the earth, from woolly mammoths to dire wolves. Imagine walking in Los Angeles and bumping into camels or giant cats! But suddenly, most of these giants vanished. North America alone lost over 70% of its massive mammals, a puzzling phenomenon scientists have debated for ages.

What caused this mass extinction? It’s hard to say. Was it the changing climate? Rapid human expansion? Or perhaps a mixture of both?

Clues from the La Brea Tar Pits

One place that provides insights is the La Brea Tar Pits in LA, a treasure trove of Ice Age fossils. Thousands of large mammal bones have been found here, trapped in the tar for over 60,000 years. Our recent studies from these pits and nearby Lake Elsinore have offered a compelling narrative.

Around 13,000 years ago, a catastrophic event altered Southern California. Evidence suggests that the region faced a deadly trio: a warmer climate, extended droughts, and a burgeoning human population. The ultimate tipping point, however, might have been wildfires, possibly ignited by early humans. 

If you want you can also read – Maui Wildfires Devastate Communities, Cause $1.3 Billion in Damage

Enter: The Age of Fire

With temperatures on the rise and fewer herbivores to graze on the vegetation, dead plants piled up. This, combined with an increasing human presence, transformed the ecosystem. How? Well, humans had a tool — fire. While our ancestors have used fire for millennia, in coastal Southern California, the story was different. Fires were rare. But, with the arrival of humans, fires surged.

The outcome? The lush California landscapes became fire-prone chaparral plants, and the large mammals we talked about earlier? They vanished.

Read Also: Extreme Weather Concern: El Nino Under Way

Why This History Matters Today

The patterns from the past eerily resemble our present situation. The combo of rising temperatures, human expansion, biodiversity loss, and fires caused a massive shift thousands of years ago. And we’re witnessing a similar scenario today, with the pace of change being alarmingly faster.

In modern times, human activities have escalated the frequency and intensity of wildfires. While fires might seem like a recurring theme in California’s history, the data suggests that before humans arrived, fires were seldom, even during droughts. Today, a whopping 90% of wildfires are due to human actions.

So, What’s Next?

Our past serves as a mirror, reflecting the vulnerabilities of our ecosystem. The lesson? To protect the environment we rely on, we need to act responsibly. Reducing emissions, taking precautionary measures against fire ignitions, and safeguarding our remaining large animals can help us prevent history from repeating itself.


Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Related Articles

Top Trending

billy joel health diagnosis
Billy Joel Cancels Tour After Brain Disorder; Alexa Ray Reacts
Historical Events and Famous People Born on May 25
Discover the Historical Events and Famous People Born on May 25
nazrul jayanti 2025
Nazrul Jayanti 2025: Celebrating The Legacy of Kazi Nazrul Islam
Zodiac May 25
May 25 Zodiac: Positive, Negative Traits, Compatibility and More
How Old Is Nikola Jokić
How Old Is Nikola Jokić: A Detailed Look at How Old Nikola Jokić Is, the Serbian Basketball Player

LIFESTYLE

how long does dermaplaning last
How Long Does Dermaplaning Last? All About Dermaplaning Duration
Selling Used Designer Handbags
10 Expert Tips for Selling Your Used Designer Handbags for Top Dollar
Layer Sunscreen with Makeup
How to Layer Sunscreen with Makeup for All-Day Protection?
Family History Lessons
8 Surprising Things You Can Learn From Studying Your Family History
Hermosa Hair Review
Hermosa Hair Review: Is It Worth Buying

Entertainment

billy joel health diagnosis
Billy Joel Cancels Tour After Brain Disorder; Alexa Ray Reacts
Brent RIvera Net Worth
Brent Rivera Net Worth: How He Built an Empire of $20 Million
jojoy spotify
Is It Legal to Get Spotify From Jojoy in 2025? If Not, Then What?
Cannes Film Festival 2025
Cannes Film Festival 2025 Ends with Bold Political Favorites
kid cudi testifies diddy molotov attack
Kid Cudi Claims Diddy Behind Molotov Attack in Shocking Testimony

GAMING

nintendo switch online game boy classics update
Nintendo Switch Online Adds 4 New Game Boy Classics to Library
Tech Hacks Pblinuxgaming
Top Linux Gaming PC Tech Hacks From Pblinuxgaming
Retro Bowl 3kh0
Unleash Your Football Skills With Retro Bowl 3kh0: Play The Ultimate Game On GitHub!
Fortnite Returns to Apple App Store
Fortnite Returns to Apple App Store After 5-Year US Ban
Unique Gambling Games
9 Unique Gambling Games You Won’t Find At Your Local Casino

BUSINESS

Decentralized Marketplaces
7 Decentralized Marketplaces That Are Replacing eBay & Amazon
Selling Used Designer Handbags
10 Expert Tips for Selling Your Used Designer Handbags for Top Dollar
Free Trade Zones Driving Global Logistics Efficiency
Top 10 Free Trade Zones Driving Global Logistics Efficiency
Best Logistics Firms Powering Middle East Trade
Top 10 Logistics Firms Powering Middle East Trade In 2025
Debt Consolidation Loans
10 Debt Consolidation Loans That Can Save You Thousands

TECHNOLOGY

hoptraveler.com
Explore The Ultimate Travel Lifestyle With Hoptraveler.com
jojoy spotify
Is It Legal to Get Spotify From Jojoy in 2025? If Not, Then What?
AI-Driven Data Extraction
The Future of AI-Driven Data Extraction: Trends to Watch in 2025 and Beyond
Iofbodies
Iofbodies.com: Unveiling The Ultimate Fitness And Wellness Platform
Google io 2025 Announcements
Top 15 Game-Changing Announcements at Google I/O 2025

HEALTH

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Billy Joel Treatment
Billy Joel’s Diagnosis: What Is Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus?
China Pledges $500M to WHO to Boost Global Health
China Pledges $500M to WHO to Boost Global Health Over 5 Years
Mental Health Tips for Students
Mental Health Tips for Students Struggling with Assignments
Joe Biden Faces Aggressive Prostate Cancer
Joe Biden Faces Aggressive Prostate Cancer, Family Reviewing Care
Stroke Patient May Be Nearing the End of Life
Recognizing When a Stroke Patient May Be Nearing the End of Life