Wild equids create desert wells, serve as water sources for dozens of species

A study found that wild horses and donkeys in the Sonoran Desert dig wells to reach groundwater. These wells function as vital water sources for 57 different vertebrate species, especially during dry conditions. The researchers noted that the wells improve water access and foster conditions for the growth of cottonwood seedlings. The findings illustrate how these animals act as ecosystem engineers, altering their environment in significant ways.