The world is fascinating, especially considering that every living creature plays a unique role in the ecosystem. Removing the tiniest organism could lead to dramatic changes in food chains and entire environments.
While some species, like bees, get all the spotlight for their role in our world, countless other unsung heroes are working quietly in the background. These creatures go about their days, eating, mating, and surviving blissfully unaware of their impact on the world.
In honor of these often-overlooked contributors, here are 10 remarkable animals that help keep our planet healthy!
1. Earthworms
How often do we actively think about these little wrigglers beneath our feet? When we garden, we might not give them a second thought—or even worse, we may treat them as pests.
But in Tibetan culture, rescuing earthworms from danger is considered an act of compassion. It is believed that showing admiration even to the tiniest life forms teaches us to respect the world.
And there’s plenty to admire! Earthworms are essential to soil health. They break down organic matter, release nutrients back into the soil, and create channels that help water reach plant roots.
Their wriggly movements also mix soil layers, which in turn improves the structure for sprouting seeds.
2. Ants
It is already known that ants, like bees, are hard workers, but do they get the appreciation they deserve?
Beyond their well-known colony teamwork, ants are one of the most significant contributors to biodiversity. These tiny landscapers spread seeds, help plants grow all across the Earth, and they aerate the soil with their small tunnels.
And there’s more! Ants really are heroes. They defend plants from harmful pests, and all they take in exchange is a meal.
3. Coral
Yes, corals are animals too, and they are vital to marine ecosystems. Without them, many smaller fish and other sea creatures would be left homeless, as coral reefs house over 800,000 different species.
Beyond just housing for smaller fish, they help buffer coastlines from storms and erosions. Without them, our oceans would be a whole lot stormier and a lot less populated.
So, if you thought the only thing corals were good for was looking pretty in an aquarium, think again.
4. Vultures
Contrary to popular belief, vultures don’t just ominously circle above corpses like in Western movies. They are essential in arid regions where the process of decay is slow.
Vultures feast on carcasses, and this helps with the prevention of disease. Their stomach acid is so strong that it can kill bacteria like anthrax! In a way, they act as nature’s clean-up crew.
Who knew these villains were actually heroes?
5. Beavers
Beavers are true architects of the animal kingdom. Why, you may ask? Because they design and build waterway ecosystems!
They work hard to build their dams, and it certainly pays off. Their dams create wetlands that slow water flow which ultimately prevent floods and provide habitats for other animals.
Another thing about these ponds is that they also trap sediment which absorbs pollutants like heavy metals and pesticides. So, their dams are literal water filters!
6. Dung Beetles
The humble dung beetle recycles nutrients and prevents gasses from building up in the environment.
The life of the dung beetle certainly doesn’t sound like a dream job. And on top of that, their job is not easy whatsoever. But did you know that they can push dung around 250 times their weight?
As unglamorous as the job sounds, they deserve admiration for their diligent work on behalf of the ecosystem.
7. Oysters
Oysters may be best known as a delicacy and pearl-producing, but they are also amazing water purifiers. A single oyster can filter about 50 gallons of water a day.
What’s more, they can also create their own reefs, similar to corals. They’re low-energy safe havens for tiny marine creatures.
8. Elephants
Elephants may be massive and sometimes clumsy, but their clumsiness is a good bulldozer! As they roam, they knock down trees, create water holes, clean up, and open up landscapes for other animals.
Elephants don’t just fertilize the soil with their droppings, but they also help spread seeds. With a daily diet that can weigh as much as a smaller car, elephants scatter an incredible amount of seeds.
9. Prairie Dogs
In prairie habitats, prairie dogs dig extensive interconnected burrows which improve soil quality and provide shelter for many species, including snakes, rabbits, and owls.
Like the busy ants from before, these tunnels help aerate the soil and promote plant growth.
10. Humpback Whales
These ocean giants are famous for their haunting songs and sleeping habits, but did you know that they are also ocean farmers?
When humpback whales dive and resurface with mighty splashes, they stir nutrients in the water that rise and fertilize phytoplankton, the most important component of the marine food chain.
This directly results in the regulation of CO2 in the Earth’s atmosphere.