With more trees came more birds and, crucially, beavers . Beavers built dams, which created habitats for otters, muskrats, ducks, and fish.
Because elk weren't overgrazing those specific areas, willow and cottonwood trees began to shoot up. In some spots, trees quintupled in height in just a few years. Essentials of Ecology
One of the most fascinating concepts in ecology is the which shows how a single species can physically reshape an entire landscape. With more trees came more birds and, crucially, beavers
The classic example is the . It wasn't just about wolves eating elk; it triggered a chain reaction: In some spots, trees quintupled in height in
The most mind-blowing part? The regenerating trees stabilized the riverbanks, causing the rivers to meander less and the channels to narrow.
Elk stopped hanging out in open valleys and gorges where they were easy targets.