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The Ecological Impact of Wolves in Yellowstone National Park

Explore the intertwined relationships between wolves, elk, habitat, and human economy in Yellowstone National Park. Learn about the reintroduction of wolves in 1995, predator-prey dynamics, and the positive effects on riparian habitats.

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The Ecological Impact of Wolves in Yellowstone National Park

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  1. Exam #4 W 4/23 in class(bring cheat sheet) • Review T 4/22 at 5pm in PAI 3.02

  2. Ecology: We are all connected and interdependent

  3. CB 52.12 Carrying Capacity stationary phase exponential growth

  4. Wolves in Yellowstone National Park

  5. Yellowstone National Park

  6. The last wolves in Yellowstone (1920’s)

  7. Wolves commonly live in packs

  8. Packs can kill larger prey Social vs Solo

  9. Packs give protection and ability to get more food, but also mean sharing food, reduced chance of reproduction, and increased chance of diseases.

  10. Wolves are very territorial and will kill intruders

  11. Wolves were re-introduced to Yellowstone in 1995

  12. Wolf relocation

  13. “hard” release: directly to new location In Yellowstone used“soft” release: Kept in 1 acre pens to acclimate to new environment

  14. Wolves were re-introduced to Yellowstone in 1995

  15. Yellowstone area wolf packs 2004 http://www.forwolves.org/ralph/historical.html

  16. Wolf deaths 1995-2005 38 deaths= 33%

  17. The cost of wolves in Yellowstone NP: • Currently about 300 wolves • 2003- • 137 sheep and 66 cattle = $32,000 • 2004- • 209 sheep, 57 cattle, and 6 other animals = $70,000

  18. Estimate millions of dollars in increased visitors

  19. Predator-predator interactions

  20. Predator-predator interactions

  21. Yellowstone Grizzly Bear population increases CB 55.12

  22. Wolves are decreasing the elk population

  23. Benefits of decreasing herbivore populations

  24. Increased Riparian Habitat

  25. Increased Riparian Habitat Fig 2

  26. Increased Riparian Habitat Fig 2

  27. Increased Riparian Habitat Fig 3

  28. Are wolves responsible? year 1998 1999 2000 2001 1998 1999 2000 2001 Fig 5

  29. Protection vs herbivory gully depth vs browsing Fig 6

  30. The reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone NP has had numerous positive benefits.

  31. The reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone NP has had numerous positive benefits:More food available for other carnivores

  32. The reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone NP has had numerous positive benefits:Increased Riparian Habitat Fig 3

  33. Exam #4 W 4/23 in class(bring cheat sheet) • Review T 4/22 at 5pm in PAI 3.02

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