This is a very interesting article on how the return of the wolf has had a positive impact on the ecology.
But when the wolves came back “there was an unforeseen bonus: Not only did the elk population go down, but there have been ‘major ecological effects,’ [William Ripple, a professor of forest ecosystems and society at Oregon State University in Corvallis,] says. The elk now steer clear of areas where they perceive risk from wolves, leading to the regrowth of aspens, willows, cottonwood trees, and berry-producing shrubs. That in turn has supported the resurgence of beaver and bird populations.”
via Reintroducing Wolves to Scotland Could Bring Back the Forests of Old : TreeHugger.
