How Wolves Have Changed Yellowstone’s Rivers

When wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park in the United States in the mid-1990s, after being absent nearly 70 years, the most remarkable “trophic cascade” occurred, effecting hundreds of other species.

Gary Wockner, a wolf expert in Colorado explained, “Willows grew higher and spread more widely, beavers returned and made ponds, riparian-dwelling plants and animals returned including songbirds and trout, elk carrion fed scavengers such as grizzlies and ravens, and coyote populations dropped resulting in more ground squirrels and gophers which in turn fed hawks and eagles.”

The species remix that was created by wolves has also changed the rivers in the park.

George Monbiot explains how in his TED talk below, which was enhanced with video by Sustainable Man.

Thanks to Chelsea Lientz for submitting the link!