Rewilding Dynamics

Wolf Reintroduction

Initial wolves: 10 Wolf growth rate: 0.25 Wolf territory (km²): 250

Ecosystem State

Wolves

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Elk

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Vegetation

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River health

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Biodiversity

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Year 0

Trophic cascade:
Wolves → reduce elk browsing → willows & aspens recover → stabilize riverbanks → meanders restored → biodiversity surges.

Yellowstone 1995: 31 wolves reintroduced → rivers literally changed course ("rivers of life").