Introduced for Food, Moose Now Threaten Newfoundland’s Forests
What Happened
Moose were introduced to Newfoundland, Canada, in 1878 and again in 1904 to provide a reliable source of meat. With few natural predators and abundant vegetation, their population exploded, peaking at an estimated 150,000-200,000 animals and standing at around 110,000 today. The growing herd is consuming young trees and shrubs faster than forests can regenerate, putting severe pressure on the island’s ecosystem.
Key Takeaways
What began as a wildlife introduction has become an ecological challenge, with overgrazing by moose threatening the long-term health and regeneration of Newfoundland’s forests.