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Caribou gut parasites indirectly create a greener tundra

Infected herbivores eat less, allowing plants to flourish

A caribou head appears behind a bush.

A caribou on Siberia’s Yamal Peninsula browses on some willows. Stomach parasites can make these herbivores eat less, leading to more plant growth.

Jeff Kerby

By Jake Buehler

- More than 2 years ago

Gut parasites in large plant eaters like caribou thrive out of sight and somewhat out of mind.