Ecological Dynamics on Yellowstone's Northern Range

Committee on Ungulate Management in Yellowstone National Park,National Research Council,National Academy of Sciences

Ecological Dynamics on Yellowstone's Northern Range
Format
Paperback
Publisher
National Academies Press
Country
United States
Published
15 August 2002
Pages
198
ISBN
9780309083454

Ecological Dynamics on Yellowstone’s Northern Range

Committee on Ungulate Management in Yellowstone National Park,National Research Council,National Academy of Sciences

Ecological Dynamics on Yellowstone’s Northern Range discusses the complex management challenges in Yellowstone National Park. Controversy over the National Park Service’s approach of natural regulation has heightened in recent years because of changes in vegetation and other ecosystem components in Yellowstone’s northern range. Natural regulation minimizes human impacts, including management intervention by the National Park Service, on the park ecosystem. Many have attributed these changes to increased size of elk and other ungulate herds.This report examines the evidence that increased ungulate populations are responsible for the changes in vegetation and that the changes represent a major and serious change in the Yellowstone ecosystem. According to the authors, any human intervention to protect species such as the aspen and those that depend on them should be prudently localized rather than ecosystem-wide. An ecosystem-wide approach, such as reducing ungulate populations, could be more disruptive. The report concludes that although dramatic ecological change does not appear to be imminent, approaches to dealing with potential human-caused changes in the ecosystem, including those related to climate change, should be considered now. The need for research and public education is also compelling.

This item is not currently in-stock. It can be ordered online and is expected to ship in approx 4 weeks

Our stock data is updated periodically, and availability may change throughout the day for in-demand items. Please call the relevant shop for the most current stock information. Prices are subject to change without notice.

Sign in or become a Readings Member to add this title to a wishlist.