750 words ecology paper due in 24hours

Running head: ECOLOGY PAPER-ECOSYSTEM IMPORTANCE 1

Qi Fu

Kathleen Sealey

ECS11

3 February 2019

Can we still see wolves in Yellowstone a decade later?

Some species have become extinct in some regions of the United State. This condition

may be referred to as extirpation. An example includes wolves and some specific types of

wolves. The situation has and continues to influence wildlife managers to reintroduce some of

the lost species in some ecosystems such as Idaho and the Yellowstone National Park. The

scenario has increased possibilities of bringing back some organisms that were considered

extinct. Despite the success of the above programs, there are many advantages and disadvantages

associated with the organisms found in the new ecosystems. The introduced organisms may

either be beneficial or cause harm to existing organisms.

The first benefit includes creating a new energy and balancing the ecosystem. Since some

species of organisms are eradicated in some areas, it leads to a rising number of others. An

example includes the Yellow Stone National Park declining number of wolves which has

increased the deer and elk’s population dramatically. Such a situation has seen overpopulation of

the park by elk’s herds. This has led to overgrazing reducing vegetation. The reintroduction of

wolves who are predators of the elks reduce the effects of overpopulation on vegetation. The

second benefit includes ecotourism development. Proponents of some species’ reintroduction

have stated that it may encourage tourists to visit some areas. The case of the pythons being

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reintroduced causes more revenues due to increased tourism. The revenues that are generated

may be used for maintenance of ecosystems and the species that live in them.

The third benefit include the controlling of the reintroduced/released species to stop their

interference with human beings. An example includes wolves being powerful predators. They

disturb human populations and attack their livestock. GPS devices are attached to the wolves to

monitor their locomotion and control them from hunting farm animals. The fourth benefit is that

it leads to the motivation of re-vegetation and population of birds. The re-introduction of species

motivate reforestation. It provides food and shelter to birds because of the many trees that grow

around the ecosystems. Shrubs and grass are also able to survive and increase.

The cons are diverse. The first one includes the possibility of new species harming

livelihood. The forest and grassland areas comprise of livestock herders and ranchers. They are

concerned about the loss of their livelihood when the government thinks of introducing animals

such as bears and wolves. Other groups of individuals that are affected include hunters who may

be hunting the same meals as wolves. The second con is that the reintroduction of new species

may have a negative impact on the same type of species found in an area (Dr. Sealey, 2019,

spring). Reintroduction of new species does not always mean that there are no species of the

same type in the area. It is a waste of resources and time. The third con is that it uses the

taxpayers fund to run a program that may not be viable. As reiterated above, the same type of

species reintroduced in an area possessing the same type is to create more problems for the area.

It influences the species to overpopulate and affect the rest of the ecosystem.

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The wolves have created stability in the overall functioning of the landscape at

Yellowstone. It has provided an opportunity for hoofed mammals to grow in large numbers.

Among the populations include moose, elk, and deer. Wolves prey on the weak mammals which

continues to keep their populations more vigorous and healthier (Expert/PBS, 2018). They

promote equal distribution and group size of the prey which leads to the positive development of

the native biodiversity. Their presence reduces overgrazing and habitat degradation.

On the other hand, the Burmese python came to the US as an exotic pet. However, its

population increased in the 20th century in the Everglades National Park. This made them to

deem dangerous to the growing ecosystem. The Everglades offer the Burmese python all the

condition to support their growth and increasing population. They have continued to offer

damage to other wildlife populations. This means threatening and endangering other snake

species. Their removal from the ecosystem is to ensure that the ecosystem has a space to thrive

and for other species and organisms to continue growing in large numbers.

Concerning the data presented in the paper, it is evident that the government should bring

out a balance in the ecosystem through the species it either introduces or releases from an

ecosystem. This is because it is not only the ecosystems and the species that are being affected

but also human beings. Reintroduction/release may influence several benefits such as balanced

ecosystem, control the extinction of some, increase tourism, and support management of the

ecosystem among others. Its dangers may be overpopulation, waste of resources, and destruction

of ecosystems. Despite the above, proper planning is significant in ensuring the best programs to

support the growth of ecosystems.

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Work cited Page

Dr. Sealey. (2019, spring). Ecosystem Concepts. Class Notes-ECS 111P, 1-9.

Expert/PBS, W. (Director). (2018). [Motion Picture]. Retrieved from

www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyCZqkX-f_8

Comment Summary Page 1

1. What do you mean by this? You need to define the wolves as a species (only subspecies in different regions of the US Page 2

2. Explain this - are you talking about human-wildlife conflicts? 3. This is confusing, what do you mean here?

Page 3 4. Define what you mean by "balance in the ecosystem"??