“We’re just uncovering these effects of large carnivores at the same time their populations are declining and are at risk,” said William Ripple, an ecologist at Oregon State University.

The annual Starker Lectures at Oregon State University will explore the future of forestry and how land managers, policy makers and communities ought to prepare for decisions that could shape generations.

The lead author of the warning letter and new response paper, ecology Professor William Ripple, from Oregon State University, said: “Our scientists’ warning to humanity has clearly struck a chord with both the global scientific community and the public.”