Successfully reintroduced to Yellowstone in 1995, after a 70-year absence.
This grand ecological experiment triggered a trophic cascade, resulting in more ducks.
Wolves thin the elk population, allowing more saplings to grow to maturity, providing more wood for the beavers, making more wetland for the ducks, and shading the river for trout populations.
The wolves are a keystone species in this ecosystem.
windrides, : Nils, vennettaj ( a bit away ), born1945, and 7 other people added this photo to their favorites.
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Dr DAD (Daniel A D'Auria MD) 35 months ago | reply
Beautiful animals. Nice shot.
RRNeal 35 months ago | reply
"This grand ecological experiment triggered a trophic cascade, resulting in more ducks."
Outstanding! Reminds me of E.O. Wilson.
Ref. The Diversity of Life , 1992, Harvard University Press, ISBN 0-674-21298-3
msamaclean ©...be back soon!...;-) 35 months ago | reply
I know a lot of humans put up a big fight against this, but we did the right thing! Aren't they beautiful!
Josh Thompson 35 months ago | reply
Great shot!