Tag Page trophiccascade

A powerful demonstration of ecosystem restoration! The reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park in the mid-1990s has triggered a remarkable trophic cascade, restoring balance to the northern range ecosystem. 🐺 Following the wolves' eradication in the 1920s, the overpopulation of elk led to excessive browsing, preventing young aspen trees from growing tall enough to replace the aging canopy. For decades, the trees struggled, and young saplings were nearly non-existent. A new study confirms the success of the reintroduction: for the first time in 80 years, a new generation of fully-fledged overstory aspen trees has been recorded. The presence of wolves has reduced elk numbers and shifted their grazing patterns, giving the young aspen a chance to flourish and marking a significant milestone in ecological restoration. #fblifestyle #Yellowstone #trophiccascade #facebookrepost