They achieve this through their roles as grazers, predators,
pollinators and seed dispersers. Mammals also provide numerous
benefits to humans, both directly and indirectly; they are an
important food source for many cultures, and are used in
recreation and improving livelihoods around the world.
Indirectly, mammals are very important in maintaining balanced
ecosystems and the services they provide to mankind. The
consequences of species extinction extend well beyond the last
animal of its kind. We are just beginning to understand the
cascading effects that extinction can have on other species,
ecosystems and on our own survival.