A new study finds that climate change may spark more forest fires in the Yellowstone ecosystem, resulting in a shift from mature, old-growth forests to younger forests and woodlands.
Yellowstone Ecology
Yellowstone supervolcano imagery shows underground plume larger than earlier seismic readings indicate
New images from the University of Utah suggest that the large plume of partly molten rock underneath Yellowstone may be larger than previously believed. However, no predictions of when a cataclysmic eruption of the famed supervolcano might occur were offered.
Study: Yellowstone wolves not helping aspens regenerate
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.
Climate change may alter Yellowstone meadows, plant diversity
Researchers measured the changes in the Yellowstone meadow plant community from 1997 to 2007, including a period of extended drought, and found that shrubs (such as sagebrush) that grow in the drier meadows increased, while flowering plants decreased in number.
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.