Benefits to ecosystems and economies.

Ecosystem

Since wolves were reintroduced to the American West in 1995-96, research has shown that their presence has helped revitalize and restore ecosystems. They improve habitats, increase populations of birds and fish, and influence the population size, behavior, and migration patterns of their prey. The presence of wolves has a beneficial ripple effect throughout surrounding plant and animal communities, often altering the landscape for the better. Wolf reintroduction in Yellowstone stabilized riverbeds and led to the return of numerous species. It also helped reduce an overabundant elk population and resulted in increased availability of woody plants and vegetation for beavers, bison, and other animals. For this reason, wolves are known as a keystone species: a species whose presence is crucial to maintaining the health, structure, and balance of an ecosystem.

Photo, Jimmy Jones

Ecosystem

Since wolves were reintroduced to the American West in 1995-96, research has shown that their presence has helped revitalize and restore ecosystems. They improve habitats, increase populations of birds and fish, and influence the population size, behavior, and migration patterns of their prey. The presence of wolves has a beneficial ripple effect throughout surrounding plant and animal communities, often altering the landscape for the better. Wolf reintroduction in Yellowstone stabilized riverbeds and led to the return of numerous species. It also helped reduce an overabundant elk population and resulted in increased availability of woody plants and vegetation for beavers, bison, and other animals. For this reason, wolves are known as a keystone species: a species whose presence is crucial to maintaining the health, structure, and balance of an ecosystem.