The reasoning behind introducing the wolves to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem was to increase the population of wolves since they were once scattered because people were killing them with the view of seeing them as predators and dangerous. They play a key role in the community and have control over their community through their ecological niche.
The staff used acclimation pens to get the wolves used to the lifestyle that is in the wild so that once they are free, they won’t depart and go back to where they came from. One precaution they took was that they implemented tagging to monitor the wolves.
Wolves usually don’t get along and adopt other offspring that aren’t their blood, however, this wolf did without any difficulties since the offspring also liked him which was odd. This could be a beneficial behaviour because it could help other offsprings to have a parent-like figure that they didn’t have in their life.
Since 1995, when wolves were reintroduced to the American West, research has shown that in many places they have helped revitalize and restore ecosystems. They improve habitat and increase populations of countless species from birds of prey to pronghorn, and even trout.
When wolves were brought back to the park, they not only killed elk, but also changed their prey's behavior patterns. The herbivores started to avoid areas like valleys and gorges where they could be easily hunted by predators.
The reintroduction of wolves led to a trophic cascade that increased the biodiversity of woody species by controlling the elk population. It also increased the health of riparian zones, subsequently increasing the biodiversity of the birds and mammals that live there.
Wolves are causing a trophic cascade of ecological change, including helping to increase beaver populations and bring back aspen, and vegetation.
Wolves play a key role in keeping ecosystems healthy. They help keep deer and elk populations in check, which can benefit many other plant and animal species. The carcasses of their prey also help to redistribute nutrients and provide food for other wildlife species, like grizzly bears and scavengers.
Remarkably, the presence of wolves also changed the rivers. Riverbank erosion decreased so the rivers meandered less, the channels deepened and small pools formed. The recovering vegetation stabilised the riverbanks, which in turn changed the geography and microclimate in the park.
Removing wolves from the park affected much of Yellowstone because wolves are top predators and arguably keystone species. Predators are often very important to an ecosystem because they control population numbers of other species, mainly their prey.
New research shows that by reducing populations and thinning out weak and sick animals, wolves have a role in creating resilient elk herds. Wolves and black-billed magpies scavenge at a dump where carcasses are stored in Yellowstone National Park.
When threatened by wolves, deer don't graze as much and move around more, aerating the soil. Grass and Trees: As a result of the deer's changed eating habits, the grassy valleys regenerated. Trees in the park grew to as much as five times their previous height in only six years!
Perceived negative impacts include ranchers incurring costs from wolves preying on livestock, reduced deer and elk populations and hunting opportunities, and threats to the safety of people and pets.
Wolves Improve Riparian Areas Wolves have redistributed the elk herds, allowing vegetation to recover along rivers and streams. More willows and aspens provide food for beavers. More beaver ponds benefit aquatic plants and animals. Shade from the trees cools the water, making the habitat better for trout.
Wolves have spin-off benefits, too, the researchers said: As trees grow taller, the stands provide more habitat for yellow warblers and other songbirds and more food for beavers, which in turn construct ponds that attract fish, reptiles and amphibians.