Trophic cascades from wolves to alders in Yellowstone

摘要: Abstract We explored possible interactions among gray wolves ( Canis lupus ), Rocky Mountain elk Cervus elaphus and thinleaf alder Alnus incana spp. tenuifoli ) in northern Yellowstone National Park. developed an age structure based on annual growth rings for plants growing along six streams areas accessible to ungulates the range. Alder stems n  = 412) originated only after wolf reintroduction. By 2013, 80% of sampled alders these were taller than 2 m, contrast with a historical pattern height suppression by ungulate herbivory. This recruitment is consistent trophic cascade whereby new occurred across all study within several years Although declines density since reintroduction likely contributed release from herbivory, immediate onset following indicates that behavioral responses predation may also have been important component resulting cascade. These results suggest predator conservation could play role management ecological restoration riparian areas.