What is the effect of wolf populations on natural ecosystems?

Question

Does anybody know any good sites that talk about the effect of wolf populations on the natural ecosystems?

Answer 1

i also wonder

Answer 2

This web site says: "Studies at Yellowstone National Park indicate that wolves support a wide variety of other animals. Ravens, foxes, wolverines, coyotes, bald eagles, and even bears feed on the carcasses of animals killed by wolves. Antelope are swift, elk are alert, and mountain goats are adept at climbing steep cliffs, in part because of the long-term effects of wolf predation. Wolves also help maintain the balance between these ungulates (hoofed animals) and their food supply, making room for other plant-eaters such as beavers and small rodents. "

http://www.fws.gov/midwest/wolf/biology/biologue.htm

This article tells about the effects of wolves on rebalancing a streamside ecosystem including stands of cottonwood trees. http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ncs/newsarch/2003/Oct03/wolf.htm

Answer 3

They cull the old and weak, maintaining healthy herds.

Answer 4

discovery channel