Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
elk-willow, Yellowstone, elk population, willow
College
Life Sciences
Department
Plant and Wildlife Sciences
Abstract
In the last century an alarming decrease in willow (Salix spp.) populations and stature has occurred in the northern range in Yellowstone National Park (YNP) (Singer et al. 1994). The reasons for these declines have been heavily debated, and no consensus has been reached as to the actual causes. The most favored ideas are: 1) heavy elk browsing is occurring due to too large of an elk population (Wagner et al. 1995, see also Kay 1990), and 2) the willow decline is due to a combination of biotic and abiotic factors (Singer et al. 1994, Singer and Cates 1995). Singer and Cates (1995) propose that causal factors in the current willow decline are changes in climate (increased temperature and reduced precipitation) and in hydrology (lower water table, fewer floods) which stress willows by reducing the availability of habitat favorable for willow growth, reproduction, and seedling establishment and growth.
Recommended Citation
Wooley, Stuart C. and Cates, Dr. Rex G.
(2013)
"ELK-WILLOW INTERACTIONS IN YELLOWSTONE’S NORTHERN RANGE,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013:
Iss.
1, Article 1529.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/1529