← Huge Win for Michigan Wolves – November 2016
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By Nathan Lyle | Published November 30, 2016Comments are closed.
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Apex predators: What they are, why they're important and how apex predators affect ecosystems![]()
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These top-level predators can have far-reaching effects on ecosystems. They control prey numbers, and as a consequence limit smaller predators. The removal of an apex predator can have knock on effects on the entire ecosystem, including the landscape.![]()
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When wolves were reintroduced into the park in 1995 beneficial effects cascaded down the food chain. Elk populations were controlled, and due to increased predation pressure they grazed more widely, allowing the trees to recover, and consequently beaver numbers to once again flourish.![]()
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In this way apex predators can be seen to 'balance' an ecosystem, and as such they are an important concern for conservationists. Worryingly, many apex predator populations are in decline, due to hunting by humans.
Apex predators: What they are, why they're important and how apex predators affect ecosystems
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We take a look at the importance of apex predators
Trappers in Manitoba catch problem predators![]()
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"The program helps with the removal of predators such as coyotes, wolves or foxes that have attacked livestock or that pose an increased risk to human safety. The program is not for general predator population reduction."![]()
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Wolfwatcher note: this article contains 2 persistent fallacies; 1) that hunting/trapping ALL wolves will diminish livestock loss caused by some wolves. It does not. It is far better to prevent loss in the first place (non-lethal deterrents) and when all else fails, to target ONLY the animal causing the problem. ![]()
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2) The vague and incorrect reference that wolves, coyotes and foxes pose an increased risk to human safety. Only rabid ones do. ![]()
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Further, the article admits that part of the problem is that the province is reducing the elk and deer numbers so the wolves have nothing else to eat. ![]()
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"As a preventative measure against the disease, the province is reducing and maintaining elk and deer numbers at a lower level, with attempts being made to target older male elk. As of 2019, federal government data showed that there were 1,216 elk in Riding Mountain at the time.![]()
“We have a lot of wolves coming out of the park in search of food because the elk population is down about as low as it can possibly get. They have to come out to eat somewhere, so most of the time, it’s on somebody’s cattle ranch or farm,” Hannibal said."![]()
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Two good things: "The province also cautions against removing predators where no livestock predation has occurred, since it will only allow for other predators to come into the area that may have a greater tendency to attack livestock."![]()
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"Producers can also use electric fencing, guardian animals and other devices and repellents as interim solutions when faced with a problem predator."![]()
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photo: John E. Marriott Wildlife and Nature Photography
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