Researchers believe gophers are responsible for restoring Mount St. Helens’ ecosystem

MOUNTAIN ST. HELENS, Washing. – Researchers studying the aftermath of the massive 1980 eruption that led to the widespread destruction of ecosystems around Mount St. Helens believe that a particular species animal has contributed to the recovery of the area.

University researchers found that pocket gophers, usually considered a nuisance, played a vital role in helping plant regeneration in the landslide and eruption zones.

Biologists estimate that one pocket gopher can move the equivalent of a ton of soil per year, allowing beneficial bacteria and fungi that survived the eruption to move closer to the surface.

“We further hypothesized that the presence of animal dispersal vectors, such as the pocket gophers, mycorrhizal guilds, will influence community composition and soil biogeochemical processes due to preferential foraging and other behaviors including bioturbation, elimination (e.g. fecal deposition ) and soil translocation,” researchers stated.

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In an area of ​​land that was clear-cut before the eruption and where most animals and vegetation were absent, the ecosystem still appears to be in trouble more than forty years after the event.

“Ecologists are finding increasing evidence that changes in land use and forest management strategies can influence the long-term structure, functioning and resilience of managed ecosystems,” the study authors said.

Comparing recovery in the clear-cut area with more intact forests, the study suggested that areas affected by human activities may need additional interventions to restore their soil and nutrients.

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According to the United States Geological Surveythe stratovolcano is likely to erupt again, but not anytime soon.

The mountain is showing normal activity levels, with no signs of an impending eruption.

The Pacific Northwest Seismic Network reported that more than 350 earthquakes have occurred since February 1, 2024, but these levels are well within the volcano‘s normal range of seismic activity.

According to volcanologists, large avalanches and widespread explosions are unlikely to accompany a future eruption due to a deep crater that formed during the previous event.

The United States is home to nearly 170 of the 1,350 volcanoes considered active around the world.

Original article source: Researchers believe gophers are responsible for restoring Mount St. Helens’ ecosystem