How the reintroduction of wolves to a US forest led to the natural restoration of a riverbed

In 1995, after 70 years of absence, Yellowstone National Park (USA) reintroduced 31 lobos grays with a surprising impact: the restoration of the ecosystem. This predator, key in the regulation of fauna, caused a significant change in the park, affected by decades of imbalance.

The disappearance of wolves in 1926, the result of eradication policies, generated an uncontrolled growth of Canadian deer that damaged the riverside forests of the Yellowstone River. This led to soil erosion and the transformation of the riverbed, with negative consequences for biodiversity.

However, the reintroduction of wolves brought with him a natural control of the deer population. With predation underway, herbivores stopped overexploiting the park’s resources, allowing the ecosystems to begin to self-regulate.

This process favored the regeneration of the forests and the stabilization of the river banks, which restored its natural channel. As a result, the park’s biodiversity increased significantly, demonstrating the interdependence of species in a balanced environment.

The Yellowstone case highlights the importance of predators in nature, reminding us of the need to think carefully before intervening in ecosystems.