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+--- Thread: Yellowstone wolves have brought back the aspen (/showthread.php?tid=8744)
Yellowstone wolves have brought back the aspen - Catherine - 07-28-2025
The wolves were gone from Yellowstone Park by 1930. Quaking Aspen saplings were gone by the 1990's.
The Elk had multiplied without the wolves to control them. The wolves were returned in 1995. The Elk numbers have stabilized and they have gone up into the hills. When they checked the Aspen status in 2012, they found many Aspen saplings.
https://www.livescience.com/animals/land-mammals/return-of-wolves-to-yellowstone-has-led-to-a-surge-in-aspen-trees-unseen-for-80-years
The return of the wolves has brought many good changes to Yellowstone. There is an increase in biodiversity. Aspen saplings are increasing.
Aspen have an open tree canopy that lets light in and allows other vegetation to grow. There is an increase in berry producing shrubs, which means more birds and insects. There is also an increase in beaver activity. One action like returning the wolves is still having consequences. The ecosystem is healthier and more stable.
Change is still happening so who knows what else will come back.
Returning a keystone species really does restore the life of an area. Their presence brings back what was lost. If we can restore keystone species we can do a lot to heal what our presence has damaged. Stories like this are happening all around the world. It is a slow process, but it is one that seems to be working.