Ecosystem engineers change ecosystems. They are plants or animals that have the ability to modify, create and maintain habitat for other species.
Beyond umbrella species, these organisms truly shape the lives of the other beings living within their range. In a sense, they are habitat providers, creating opportunities for entire communities of wildlife to thrive.
Some ecosystem engineers accomplish this through their own biology, while others physically transform their environment. Through their actions, they influence biodiversity, ecological balance, and the survival of countless species that depend on them.