"Long-Term Study Shows Apex Predators Not Quick Fix for Ecosystem Restoration"

A 20-year study by Colorado State University challenges the belief that reintroducing apex predators, such as wolves, can quickly restore ecosystems. The absence of apex predators in Yellowstone for nearly a century transformed the landscape and food web, leading to lasting changes that were not reversed even after the predators were reintroduced. The study emphasizes that restoring apex predators is not a quick fix for ecosystem restoration and highlights the complex and long-term effects of their absence. While the reintroduction of wolves may have some ecosystem benefits, the study suggests that maintaining the integrity of the food web and preserving top predators is crucial for the long-term health of ecosystems.