In Yellowstone National Park, in America, wolves were eradicated from the environment. This had a detrimental effect on the land as the elk was taking over, eating the shrubs, and damaging the environment. The National Park was becoming barren and exposed.
In 1995, wolves were reintroduced into the park where they began a trophic cascade. This is where other species benefit from their presence and the environment flourishes and regenerates.
Because of the wolves in the park, the elk weren’t grazing by the rivers as they could be easily hunted. Some of them were killed for food by the wolves and the elk population slowed. With less elk, the trees could regenerate, and in some places their growth quintupled. More trees meant more migratory birds arrived,, as well as songbirds, and more trees meant more beavers and otters. Bears returned to the area as there were berries and carrion to eat. The carrion that the wolves left behind was attracting rodents and hawks.
Because of the wolves in the park, the elk weren’t grazing by the rivers as they could be easily hunted. Some of them were killed for food by the wolves and the elk population slowed. With less elk, the trees could regenerate, and in some places their growth quintupled. More trees meant more migratory birds arrived,, as well as songbirds, and more trees meant more beavers and otters. Bears returned to the area as there were berries and carrion to eat. The carrion that the wolves left behind was attracting rodents and hawks.
The reintroduction of wolves also affected the course of the rivers as the banks became more stable and so they meandered less. Having wolves back in the park had a positive impact on Yellowstone National Park
