...When the wolves were reintroduced to the Yellowstone Park after after 70 years of being away they did have an impact on the ecosystem, although it was not as big of an impact as journalists and researchers gave them credit for. There are actually a lot of factors that determine the fate of any ecosystem such as natural climate, seasons, invasive species and conflicts in the area. Evidently, The elk’s behavior was changed partially once the wolves were reintroduced but it was not their arrival which brought back the plant life that was absent while elk were overpopulated. Since Elk travel in herds they do not scare to wolves as easily as one might think. Additionally, their size makes them harder to kill and takedown making them a tougher target for wolves. Contrarily, grizzly bears are the main predator for large prey such as the elk and buffalo because they make for larger and more powerful hunters. The elk population in Yelllowstone has subsided mainly because of the rising bear population and competition from wolves has brought balance to the ecosystem. In light of this information, it is good to preserve the natural wildlife of our ecosystems but it may also prove beneficial to educate the public on the real...
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...toward the preferred point of view, Wolves should not be killed. The writer is very adamant about Wolves and the hunting and killing of the wolf. The writer is very literate and draws the reader into the article with a heartfelt dissertation on Senator Eugene McCarthy leading immediately into an attack on the delisting of the Wolf from the Endangered Species act. The author has written the article based on his emotional opinion and does not use statistics to bolster his position. He lists items on the Montana Legislative agenda designed to find new ways to kill animals but he does not list any bills. The author made one statement to the effect of “For me it is so magical, such a spiritual experience.” He was referring to the sight of a wild animal. Rebuttal Howling for Justice The author of this article could have made his impact greater if he had used statistics to bolster his opinion. He offers no supporting statistics, no bill numbers and no legal references to support his position against delisting wolves from the Endangered Species Act. The author speaks from a purely emotional point of view where he attacks the legislative assembly for their actions. By not offering any credible statistics his opinion will not sway the critical opinion of his readers. Montana is a very heavy ranching area, and the writer is close to Yellowstone National Park. The Re-introduction and effects Fourteen wolves were first re-introduced to Yellowstone in 1995 and have made their presence...
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...Running head: Wolves: Innocent victim or vicious killer? 1 Wolves Stephen Hawks Western Governors University Wolves: Innocent victim or vicious killer? 2 Wolves Introduction Wolves, the very name polarizes people from one end of the spectrum to the other. From the people that believe they should be shot on site, to the opposite end where environmentalist feels that people hunting wolves should be shot on site. How could you argue with the people most directly affected by the re-introduction of wolves into their area? When your livelihood is constantly threatened by the predators, it drives people to extremes. In our initial settling of this country we drove the other predators (mainly Native American and wolves) from their lands; forcing them to remote outskirts. We nearly killed the wolf off in our drive to seize this vast territory and everything in it. By doing that we threw off nature’s food chain, which caused a ripple effect among other animals and plants directly affected by the wolf. By re-introducing the wolf to its once natural territory, are we trying to right an injustice done by our ancestors long ago? Research has shown that wolves impact society through its reputation as killer of livestock, important link in the eco-system, and pawn in the ongoing debates between Government and Conservationist groups. There’s something spiritual about gazing into a wolf’s eyes. It touches your soul and it changes you. According to Lopez (1978) “It takes your...
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...A Review of Management Problems Arising From Reintroductions of Large Carnivores Date: September 2014 Abstract | Introduction | Conclusion | Acknowledgements | References | PDF Abstract Large carnivores are often apex predators and are important in ecosystems as their behaviour promotes biodiversity. They frequently fall victim to anthropogenic causes of local extinction and subsequently, have often been the subjects of conservation efforts involving reintroduction programs. As land-use changes restrict ranges and reduce prey for large carnivores, the trend towards local extinction is set to increase; therefore ex-situ conservation is likely to be increasingly prevalent. Reintroduction programmes are divided into two distinct parts. The first part is pre-release, which includes selection, breeding, and preparation of animals. The second part runs from the time the animals are ready for release through the actual release process and may include post-release monitoring and the release of further, supplementary, animals where this is necessary and feasible. This study identifies and discusses a number of potential problems involved in the use of captive animals to seed reintroductions including welfare as well as ethical and political issues. Other challenges include the genetic and behavioural integrity of founder animals and disease control, both in captivity and post release. This study also identifies a number of points for consideration during and after release, including...
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...released from Canada into Yellowstone National Park, as well as surrounding areas, in 1995 and 1996. The original intention of the reintroduction of the gray wolf to Wyoming was because of past extirpation in the region. Because of the vast wilderness and an abundance of prey species throughout the area, it was seen as a suitable location for reintroduction. After the reintroduction, the numbers of gray wolves throughout the region soared. At the end of December 2011, numbers in Yellowstone reached an estimated 328 wolves, which included 48 packs and 27 breeding pairs. Outside of Yellowstone, numbers were estimated at 224, with 36 packs and 19 breeding pairs. (WGFD, 2013) These numbers are significantly higher than the required number to keep wolves off of the Federal Endangered Species List. Wolves in Wyoming are considered dual classified by state management. In the Northwest region of the state, gray wolves are considered and managed as “Game Trophy Animals”. This essentially means hunters are required to have a wolf-hunting license and may only harvest wolves during the season. Once a designated number of wolves have been harvested, as determined by Wyoming’s Game and Fish Department (WGFD), the hunt season in that specific area is closed. Every hunter who harvests a gray wolf is required by state law to report the kill to WGFD within 24 hours, as well as turn in the skull for biological study purposes, within 10 days. In the remainder of Wyoming, gray wolves are classified as predatory...
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...CONSERVATION OF LEOPARDS IN AYUBIA NATIONAL PARK, PAKISTAN By Asad Lodhi M.Sc (Chemistry), University of Peshawar, Pakistan, 1991 M.Sc (Forestry), Pakistan Forest Institute, Peshawar, Pakistan, 1994 Professional Paper presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Wildlife Biology The University of Montana Missoula, MT Spring 2007 Approved by: Dr. David A. Strobel, Dean Graduate School Dr. Daniel Pletscher Director Wildlife Biology Program Dr. Kerry Foresman Division of Biological Sciences Dr. Mark Hebblewhite Wildlife Biology Program Lodhi, Asad M.S. May 2007 Wildlife Biology Conservation of leopard in Ayubia National Park, Pakistan Director: Dr. Daniel H. Pletscher Large carnivores are important for biodiversity and ecosystem function, yet are very difficult to conserve because of their large home ranges and conflicts with humans. I examined human-leopard conflicts in and near Ayubia National Park, Pakistan, to provide management recommendations for the conservation of leopards. Persecution of leopards by humans has been on the rise primarily due to depredation on livestock and risk to human lives. Since 1989, 16 humans have either been killed or injured in and around Ayubia National Park while leopards faced 44 human-caused mortalities during the same period. I examined the management strategy adopted by NWFP Wildlife Department for leopard conservation, identify gaps, and suggest possible management...
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...removed gray wolves from the Endangered Species Act, therefore prohibiting further judicial review of the bill (“Did We Only Bring Wolves Back”). Despite arguments from conservationists, numerous federal wildlife agencies have declared the gray wolf population stable, and removed the gray wolf from the federal Endangered Species list. Regardless of whether the agencies thought the decision was prudent, gray wolves need to be put back on the Endangered Species list, because they...
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...this species before it disappears forever. In a realistic sense they present no real threat to humans or livestock as long as they are left alone just like any other animal. They are heavily misunderstood and a community wolf awareness lesson may be necessary, but they can easily reintegrate into our society, if trigger happy ranchers can be kept in check. In many cases they can help to eliminate the overpopulation of deer and elk in recent years which have been a nuisance to farmers and homeowners throughout Colorado. In a recent study of twenty high school students all twenty said they supported wolf reintroduction in Colorado (Warfield). If their survival lacks no real negative side effects and mostly positive outcomes then we must act now before it’s too late. Many argue that wolves are dangerous and that they threaten people, therefore it was justified for them being hunted to extinction. The truth is they are just as hazardous as the common coyote or fox, which most people find to be quite well mannered and easy to avoid conflict with. Andre Carothers, a writer for the “E/The Environmental Magazine,” boldly proclaims, “There has never been a documented wolf attack on humans...
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...Since the Industrial Revolution in the eighteenth century, the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has been a subject of discussion among scientists and people. Global Trepidation for the future with no sign of hope until the ocean's potential to absorb was discovered. It was learned that the ocean absorbed about 33% of the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere each year. This information reduced the alert of global warming until ocean acidification a co-existing partner of global warming and an enemy of the earth was discovered. Ocean acidification is known for its connection to global warming and also its effects on marine life. The purpose of this paper is to provide a deeper understanding of what ocean acidification, it effects...
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...Thermophilic Bacteria of Yellowstone National Park CEE:5154 Environmental Microbiology Research Paper University of Iowa Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering December 14, 2015 Bruce McWilliams Amid the vast, sparsely populated regions of Northwest Wyoming, lies one of the most diverse and extraordinary ecosystems in the world, Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone is one of the world's foremost sites for the study and appreciation of the evolutionary history of the earth. The park has a globally unparalleled assemblage of surficial geothermal activity, thousands of hot springs, mudpots, fumaroles, and more than half of the world’s active geysers (NPS, 2013). Yellowstone is located on top of the Yellowstone Caldera, which is a volcanic hot spot where hot, molten rock from the earth’s mantle rises toward the surface. Volcanic activity from the Caldera produces geothermal activity on the park’s surface that has drawn more than 3 million visitors to the park since 2000 (NPS, 2015). Geysers, hot springs, and mudpots are extremely toxic due to high concentrations of sulfuric acid (sulfate concentrations measure up to 925 ppm near vents) and, temperatures measuring over 100oC. Many have recorded inhabitable pH levels ranging from 2 to 9.8 (Rowe/Founder/Morey, 1973). While these colorful and wondrous hot springs may appear stagnant and devoid of life to the common park visitor, they are actually a complex, intricate habitat teeming with a diverse array...
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...ivory confiscated, which is equivalent to at least 2,500 elephants. Poaching is not just a problem in other countries, it is a problem right here in the United Sates. Although the people here are not killing elephants and rhinos, they are killing and that is a Walker2 form of poaching. At one point the North American Gray Wolf, In Yellow Stone National Park, was on the brink of extinction. When an animal almost or goes extinct this is what can happen: the elk populations in Yellowstone National Park were very high and With no natural predator, the elk almost ate the aspen tree to extinction. Now, because the population gray wolves is beginning to increase in the park again, elk populations are balancing out and the aspen tree is recovering. This is a good example of how one extinction can effect other animals and even...
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...when the gypsy moth population is low because: a) an abundant acorn crop draws deer into the woods b) during these years, small plants and seedlings grow particularly fast c) gypsy moth larvae are eaten by mice d) there are “bumper years” of lyme disease e) ticks like to feed on human blood Answer: a 5) The Environmental Science textbook outlines the relatively simple food chain that exists in hot springs such as in Yellowstone National Park, including the following organisms: (A) herbivorous flies (B) carnivorous flies (C) decomposers (D) photosynthetic bacteria What would be the correct order of these organisms from lowest trophic level to highest trophic level: a) C, A, B, D b) B, A, D, C c) D, A, B, C d) B, A, C, D e) C, D, A, B Answer: c 6) Which of the following is an example of three different species on three different trophic levels, listed from lowest level to highest: a) shrubs, trees, giraffes b) humans, cows, grass c) sharks, herbivorous fish, carnivorous fish d) moss, reindeer, wolves e) dirt, corn, humans Answer: d 7) The most basic processes in an ecosystem are: a) photosynthesis and respiration b) transport and storage of food c) trophic chains and storage of food d) flow of energy and cycling of chemical elements e) waste decomposition and cycling of energy...
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...live. Everyone should be informed on the importance of biodiversity, the causes, effects, and ways to prevent these problems....
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...The first question that arises when it comes to the story of forest fires is: What exactly is fire? This question can simply be answered that it is a chemical reaction involving fuel, oxygen and heat. The molecules of a combustible substance move around at an ever more rapid pace as the substance heats until it ultimately combusts totally. When this combustion takes place, the chemicals in whatever substance is being heated are broken down and combined with the oxygen present in the air, with the substance acting as the fuel. This combination causes two things to occur, heat and light, which is essentially fire. The intensity of fire is determined by the amount of fuel present, and as the heat increases, so does the rate of its spreading to other fuel sources. The next question to ponder is: What is the cause of forest fires? While the famous “Smokey the Bear” may tell us that only we can stop forest fires, the truth is that the overwhelming majority of forest fires are caused by lightning. There are other natural causes that can spark forest fires as well. Falling rocks can cause small sparks to be created, which in turn can light piles of dried out kindling such as twigs. Superheated lava from volcanoes can also engulf nearby forests, as can the superheated air caused by an eruption. However, as we all know humans can also cause forest fires. Sometimes these fires are started by accident, and sometimes on purpose. There is a myriad of different fuels that allow a forest...
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..."space" we aren't talking about celestial space. Geographers are concerned with answering questions about how and why phenomena vary across the surface of the Earth. For instance, geographers investigate patterns of vegetation as they relate to distributions of climate, soils, and topography. Geographers recognize the dynamic nature of Earth's physical systems. The physical geography of Earth changes in response to variations in weather and climate, the shifting of continents, and and the sculpting of coastlines by wave action. By recognizing the Earth system is dynamic, geographers take time into consideration when looking at the spatial patterns of Earth phenomena. Therefore, geographers are playing important roles in understanding the effects of climate change on earth systems. The role of geographers in assessing patterns of environmental change is a theme that reoccurs throughout this book. Figure 1.1 Folded Appalachian Mountains Linear folds of the Appalachian Mountains can be easily seen in this satellite image. (Source: NASA/GSFC/JPL, MISR Team) Geographers study both the form and processes acting at the surface of the earth, the principal domain of geographic study. Examine the landscape of the Appalachian mountain range in North America in the satellite image illustrated in Figure 1.1 and compare them to Mt. Saint. Helens found in the Cascade Mountain Range. The Appalachian mountains appear as a series of...
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