Columbian Mammoth

The Columbian mammoth, (Mammuthus columbi) a prehistoric relative of the modern-day Asian elephant, was a keystone herbivore whose absence forever altered the ecology of San Francisco Bay. Once upon a time the Bay was without water, a vast meadow brimming with life — a plethora of animals — flora and fauna labeled as “one of the greatest natural phenomena of all time” (by E. Breck Parkman, a senior archaeologist for the California State Parks). Large mammalian grazers, such as the Columbian mammoth and the mastodon were largely responsible for facilitating such biodiversity.

These gentle giants were migratory herbivores, dispersing seeds on their long journeys through their feces, which also played a large role in soil fertility. They also cleaned up forest understories, reducing competition between plants for light, water, and nutrients. They were housekeepers, beautifying the landscape while introducing a variety of species across the meadow that is now San Francisco Bay. Once the Columbian mammoth became extinct, largely due to climate change and hunting by early humans, much of the vegetative diversity also died out.