The Reason 27 Years of Wolves In Yellowstone Have Enhanced Its Environment

Scientists just thought they were restoring some ecological balance when the wolves were released. 

They did that, but the impact on restoration of other species, of flora and even of rivers has been more significant than anyone imagined it would be. JL 

"Dr. Clayton Forrester" reports:

In 1995, 14 wolves were released into the wild in Yellowstone National Park. Scientists at the time did not suspect that this would radically change the entire ecosystem of the park.In six years, the number of trees increased fivefold. Beavers appeared. Muskrats, ducks and fish bred in the new ponds. The wolves reduced the population of jackals, which led to an increase in the number of hares and mice. This attracted hawks, ferrets and foxes to the park. Bears thrived on the scraps of prey left by the wolves. The wolves also changed the flow of Yellowstone's rivers because the influence of wolves on deer led to the explosive growth of trees along the banks of the rivers.In 1995, 14 wolves were released into the wild in Yellowstone National Park. Scientists at the time did not suspect that this would radically change the entire ecosystem of the park.

 

There had been no wolves in Yellowstone for 70 years. During this time, the deer population grew tremendously, severely damaging the local flora. Fourteen wolves, of course, could not eat all the deer, but they forced the deer to be more careful in choosing places to eat, and to avoid certain parts of the park. In those places, vegetation began to revive.

 

In six years, the number of trees increased fivefold. Beavers appeared and began building dams. Muskrats, ducks and fish bred in the new ponds. The wolves reduced the population of jackals, which led to an increase in the number of hares and mice. This in turn attracted hawks, ferrets and foxes to the park. Bears thrived on the scraps of prey left by the wolves.

 

Remarkably, the wolves also changed the flow of Yellowstone's rivers. River channels straightened and stabilized, and coastal erosion decreased. This happened because the influence of wolves on deer led to the explosive growth of trees along the banks of the rivers.

The story of the Yellowstone wolves shows that ecosystems are complex and interconnected in ways that we may not fully understand. When all the parts are in balance, nature thrives