The reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park is not helping aspen groves, despite declines in the number of elk, according to a new study.
Rocky Mountain Wolves
Northern Rocky Mountain wolves lose endangered species status
The USFWS said wolf populations have exceeded biological recovery goals and are now thriving.
UA: Terrain dictates deadly wolf, elk interactions in Yellowstone
While it was feared the elk population would be at risk upon reintroduction, wolf numbers on Yellowstone’s northern range has grown to 84 and elk numbers have not declined appreciably.
OSU: Yellowstone wolves influence elk; benefit trees, streams
The study conducted by forestry researchers supports a “trophic cascade” theory of ecological interdependence — extending to plants, animals, food chains and ecological zones.
CBD: New Mexico gray wolf kill highlights recovery obstacles
The latest wolf casualty added to a growing number of declining wolves in New Mexico. In addition to the 11 wolves shot by government agents since 2003, 20 have died due to accidents in the agency’s recapture program, said CBD.
