A new study published in a leading scientific journal has overturned long-held assumptions about Europe's prehistoric landscape, revealing that for more than 20 million years the continent was dominated not by dense forests but by open woodlands, colorful meadows, and large grazing animals. Researchers analyzing fossil and pollen records say the findings challenge the traditional view that thick, closed-canopy forests represent Europe's natural state before human intervention. The evidence suggests that scattered trees, diverse grassland, and megafauna such as deer and wild horses shaped the ecosystem for millions of years.
The discovery carries significant implications for modern conservation policy, with scientists warning that aggressive reforestation strategies could inadvertently harm the biodiversity they aim to protect. Planting dense forests, the researchers argue, may exclude the light-dependent plants and grazing-dependent species that thrived in Europe's ancient open landscapes. Conservation groups and policymakers are now urged to reconsider restoration targets, favoring mosaic habitats that mimic historical conditions rather than uniform tree cover. The study adds to a growing body of research questioning assumptions about baseline ecosystems and highlights the need for evidence-based approaches to ecological restoration across the continent.
Independent reporting synthesized from primary wires and global correspondents.