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The impact of native ungulates and beaver on riparian communities in the intermountain west

    • Authors: C. E. Kay

      Date: 1994

      Journal: Natural Resources and Environmental Issues

      Volume: 1

      Number:

      Pages: 23-44

      Summary of Methods: This is a scientific synthesis based on the author’s PhD dissertation along with 141 other studies on elk, moose, and beaver herbivory in riparian communities in the northern range of Yellowstone National Park.

      Article Summary / Main Points: Although the park service in Yellowstone National Park assert that the lack of willow, aspen, and cottonwood recruitment is due to the “suppression of lightening fires, normal plant succession or climate change,” Kay contends that ungulate, especially elk, over-browsing has caused willows and other riparian woody species to decline. Elk populations have increased dramatically in the park and they feed on the woody riparian species reducing seed availability. Photopoints and exclosures were used to determine the effects of elk herbivory. In addition the reduction of beaver in the park has caused water tables to drop, thus reducing riparian areas and potential habitat for woody regeneration. Kay argues elk consumption of willows and other woody species has helped cause the reduction in beaver numbers. Without high water and riparian areas, these woody species will not be able to thrive.

      Vegetation Types: Other (includes Forest and Eastern) Riparian and Wetlands

      MLRA Ecoregions: 43B Central Rocky Mountains

      Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Wildlife

      Article Review Type: Peer Reviewed

      Article Type: Scientific Synthesis

      Keywords: native ungulates, elk, cervus elaphus, moose, alces alces, beaver, castor canadensis, intermountain west, riparian communities, yellowstone national park, water cycle

      Annotation: Unnaturally high numbers of ungulates browsing continuously in riparian areas will reduce willow recruitment; however, the suppression of natural fires, normal plant succession or climate change may also play roles in reduced riparian woody vegetation. This article was published in 1994 and since then the Park Service’s viewpoint may have changed.

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