Chapter 11 The Madison Headwaters Elk Herd: Stability in an Inherently Variable Environment

摘要: Theme While the elk herd that winters on northern range of Yellowstone National Park has been subject almost continuous investigations since inception park, occupies Madison headwaters area in central portion received much less scientific attention. This is a particularly interesting population for study regulatory processes because remain within confines park year‐round and, thus, are not subjected to harvest by human hunters. Historic records also suggest was targeted market hunters during 1800s nor managed Service through intensive culling, as common ungulates occupying until 1968 when adopted natural regulation policy (Cole 1971, 1983). Hence, dynamics this have influenced any appreciable extent manipulations other than extirpation wolves from early 1900s. harsh winter conditions with periods intense cold temperatures and deep snow pack most years. These provide an excellent opportunity influence density‐dependent density‐independent factors their interactions regulating ungulate herd. In chapter, we present results demographic conducted just prior reestablishment wolves.