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Impacts of Wolves on Yellowstone Ecosystem

Explore the implications of wolf reintroduction in Yellowstone NP. Delve into predator-prey dynamics, habitat restoration, and economic effects.

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Impacts of Wolves on Yellowstone Ecosystem

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  1. Exam #4W 4/29 from 7:30-9pm in BUR 106

  2. Why are species going extinct? Fig 55.6

  3. Nearly Extinct Species:maybe only 100 individuals exist Extinct

  4. Yellowstone NP 63 mi 54 mi • 466 mi of roads • 950 mi of backcountry trails • 97 trailheads • 287 backcountry campsites

  5. Wolves in 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 the ability to obtain 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

  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. high risk low risk

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

  31. Protection vs herbivory gully depth vs browsing Fig 6

  32. The greatest difference has been in the deepest gullies, which are at the greatest risk of erosion. Fig 6

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

  34. The reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone NP has had numerous positive benefits: Humans- negative impacts on ranchers have been offset by overall increased tourism.

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

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

  37. Exam #4W 4/29 from 7:30-9pm in BUR 106

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