When we let nature work and we don't interfere with it, it can do wonders. Letting the wolves into Yellowstone National Park and leaving them to their our own fate shows us what a complex system nature is and how dozens of wild beasts can transform the entire ecosystem of such a vast area.
It all began in 1995 when Yellowstone Park workers released 31 grey wolves into the wild over the year, and did not interfere with their lives at all. Although they expected certain changes, they certainly did not expect the cascade of environmental change it will cause. To this day, ecologists are astonished by the continuing wave of direct and indirect consequences of this step throughout the ecosystem.
Thanks to this one-time human intervention, the ecosystem of the park became more complex and unusually prosperous. The presence of wolves caused an ever-evolving cascade effect between animals and plants, like when you throw a pebble from a rocky slope that causes an avalanche on its way down.
The wolf population stabilized at about one hundred individuals. This resulted in a reduction in the reindeer population, which previously had no natural predator in the park. New carnivore and herbivore species also appeared. Even the dominant herbivore species in the area changed - the mentioned reindeer was replaced by the bison, and even the grizzly bear population began to prosper. On the other hand, moose withdrew from the area. The return of the beaver was also a welcome change (only one colony lived here before the wolves were released).
All these changes in animal life have had a beneficial effect on local vegetation, which had suffered until then. This was because since the 1930s, when wolves were eradicated here, there was an overpopulation of elk and reindeer that did not migrate much in the winter. This had a negative effect on young willows, awn and cotton, which had unfortunate consequences for the beavers, who needed willows to survive the winter.
With the return of the beavers, the cascade effect of changes continued. They began to build new dams and ponds, which have an impact on current hydrology. They can even offset seasonal differences and provide cold, shaded water for fish, while the overgrown heath on the shore gives shelter to songbirds.
Have you ever watched your cat and asked yourself what it might be thinking? It sometimes seems that these furry friends enjoy situations in which you don’t know if they love your or want to claw your eyes out. They only sit and watch you from a...
These special dogs were bred and raised specifically for hunting of puffins and guillemots (water birds). For this reason, they have several very specific and for their purpose very practical physical deviations. For example, they have extremely...
They say there aren’t many activities as relaxing as fishing. And it’s no longer true that fishing is only for men. When my friend told me she takes her dog for fishing, I was really surprised. And I immediately had to question her about how it...
If you like small dogs, it will be easy for you to fall in love with pomeranians. Not only they look like teddy bears with a nice face and look, they will also impress you with their nature. They belong to sociable dog breeds rightfully. Besides their...
Living with dogs is such a natural thing for us dog lovers that we sometimes treat them more like people. We love them, we nurture them but we may sometimes care a bit too much and unintentionally harm our furry friends. Such cases include wrong fur...
Miniature pinscher is also called min pin or German pinscher. There is a great personality with a big heart inside its little body. It is a big warrior,sports dog and a tourist. Perfect sports for this breed are for example dog dancing or agility where...
Some animals are simply talented for water sports. Already as a puppy, Ricochet grabbed people’s attention for her confidence she jumped into sea waves with. Later on, she became a dog hero helping disabled and a role model for many enthusiasts who...
While in the wildlife, their diet depends on natural instincts, rodents kept by humans and other small animals require a regular and balanced diet. What should rodent’s diet include and what should it avoid? What food is dangerous/safe for it? And what...
If you wish to do sports with your dog, you should at first think about if it’s right for you pet, no matter if you want to do it for leisure or top-level. And not only from the point of view of your pet’s nature but also of its physical predispositions.
Have you ever discussed whether a cat or a dog is more intelligent with your friends? Reportedly, scientists already know the answer. In this article, I mention a few facts and observations from a recently published research paper on this topic.
Cats can handle a new human in your family very badly. They are more sensitive to the changes than dogs. Are you interested in what you can do to enjoy this time and not to deal with the problems with your cat?
Are you considering getting a rodent as your new pet but you are afraid it won’t be doing good with your dog under one roof? Don’t be afraid, dogs and rodents can do great together. It is important to teach your dog from an early age that other animals...
