Is science in danger of sanctifying the wolf

摘要: Abstract Historically the wolf (Canis lupus) was hated and extirpated from most of contiguous United States. The federal Endangered Species Act fostered protection reintroduction which improved species’ image. Wolf populations reached biological recovery in Northern Rocky Mountains upper Midwest, animal has been delisted List those areas. Numerous studies National Parks suggest that wolves, through trophic cascades, have caused ecosystems to change ways many people consider positive. Several conducted Yellowstone Park where interactions with their prey, primarily elk (Cervus elaphus), are thought reduction numbers or changes movements behavior. Some workers latter led a behaviorally-mediated cascade. Either behavioral hypothesized growth browse, willows (Salix spp.) aspen (Populus spp.), resulted increased beavers (Castor Canadensis), songbirds, hydrologic changes. wolf’s image thus gained an iconic cachet. However, later research challenges several earlier studies’ findings such conclusions now controversial, especially related causes browse regrowth. In any case, cascading effects wolves found would little relevance range because overriding anthropogenic influences there on vegetation, other parts food web. is neither saint nor sinner except who want make it so.