Long-term aspen dynamics, trophic cascades, and climate in northern Yellowstone National Park
Beschta RL, Painter LE, Levi T, Ripple WJ. 2016. Long-term aspen dynamics, trophic cascades, and climate in northern Yellowstone National Park. Canadian Journal of Forest Research. 46(4):548-556
We report long-term patterns of quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) recruitment for five ungulate exclosures in the northern ungulate winter range of Yellowstone National Park. Aspen recruitment was low ( 1 m in height increased over 30-fold (from 105 to 3194 aspen·ha−1). Increased heights of young aspen occurred primarily from 2007 to 2012, a period with relatively high predator–prey ratios, declining elk numbers, and decreasing browsing rates. Consistent with a re-established trophic cascade, aspen stands in Yellowstone’s northern range have increasingly begun to recover.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Beschta, Robert; Painter, Luke; Levi, Taal; Ripple, William
- Units
- YELL
- Keywords
- aspen, drought, elk, exclosure, wolves
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Forest/Woodland Communities , Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Mammals