Yellowstone Wolf Reintroduction

Conservation & Biodiversity 1995

Discoverers: Douglas Smith, US Fish and Wildlife Service

Overview

Reintroduction of grey wolves to Yellowstone National Park after 70 years of absence, triggering a documented trophic cascade across the ecosystem.

Significance

Provided the most compelling real-world demonstration of top-down ecosystem regulation, showing how predators can restore entire landscapes.

Methodology

Translocation of 31 grey wolves from Canada into Yellowstone between 1995-1996, with long-term monitoring of ecological changes.

Impact