The role of wolves in ecosystems

Gray wolves are an apex species that occupy a top niche in the natural food chain. Like bears and cougars, they have few competitors and play a prominent role in any ecosystem they inhabit.Competition and preyWolves primarily preyon elk, deer, moose, and other ungulates, although they also feed on smaller species such as beaver, mice, squirrels, rabbits, muskrats, marmots, grouse, and even songbirds.They may also compete with other top carnivores such as cougars, bears, and coyotes. Studies in other areas have shown that the presence of wolves can reduce coyote populations.In these and other ways, wolves can influence the dynamics of wildlife species across an entire ecosystem, altering predator-prey relationships and even the natural landscape. While they may affect abundance in some species, wolves can also play an important role in the environment.In ungulate herds that have not been exposed to wolves for a time, this can increase the proportion of healthy animals of prime age, lead...