Linking Large Carnivores and Biodiversity in the Western North America
Presented by Dr. Bill Ripple, Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society, Oregon State University
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
4:00 PM - 5:45 PM
La Kretz Hall, Room 110
Los Angeles, CA 90095
Biodiversity - Top Predator and Trophic Cascade
Abstract:
Following the extirpation of large predators in the American West, increased ungulate herbivory appears to have profound effects on both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. I summarize the 20th century effects in five western national parks. In these parks, the loss of large predators allowed large herbivores to heavily impact riparian plant communities, thus leading to a loss of biodiversity. Only in Yellowstone National Park, where wolves (Canis lupus) have been reintroduced, it appears that impacts to plant communities are being reversed. The reintroduction of wolves in other areas of the west could initiate trophic cascades and ecosystem restoration.
Sponsor(s): UCLA Sustainability, UCLA Climate Change Portal
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