Reply to Brook et al: No empirical evidence for human overkill of megafauna in Sahul

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

We welcome comments by Brook et al. (1), supporters of human-driven models, on our review of the role of climate in Pleistocene faunal extinctions in Sahul (Pleistocene Australia–New Guinea) (2). In response, we begin on a point of agreement: the fossil fauna record on which our respective arguments are based is sparse, although our understanding of Pleistocene environmental conditions is improving (3⇓–5). However, we also flag a basic point of difference. Unlike Brook et al., who focus on the ∼50 extinct Australian species (an artificial distinction because Australia was part of the larger landmass Sahul) and the 50 ka since human arrival, we consider the bigger picture, …