Wolves are Vital. Not Vicious.
4,612 views · Published 5 April 2017 · 0:26 · Indexed 28 October 2026
Channel: Wolf Conservation Center · 2017 · Pets & Animals
Why are wolves important? Wolves are a critical keystone species in a healthy ecosystem. A keystone species is often, but not always, a predator - like the wolf. Outnumbered greatly by their prey, predators can control the distribution, population, and behavior of large numbers of prey species. By altering prey movements, browsing patterns, and foraging behavior (predation risk effects), wolves have an indirect effect on plant and tree regeneration. In this regard, wolves have a trickle-down effect on among animals and plants, a phenomenon known as a “trophic cascade." The presence of wolves indirectly impacts plants, trees, songbirds, beaver, fish, and even butterflies. Without predators, such as wolves, the system fails to support a natural level of biodiversity, and may cease to exist altogether. Thus the preservation and of keystone species is essential for maintaining the historic structure and function of the ecosystems they inhabit. Zephyr is a captive-born gray wolf at the Wolf Conservation Center (WCC), a 501c3 non-profit organization, in South Salem, NY. He is one of the four 'ambassador wolves' at the WCC that help teach the public about wolves and their vital role in the environment. If you want to watch Zephyr, Alawa, Nikai, Atka or the WCC's critically endangered Mexican gray wolves or red wolves in live time, visit our live wolf webcams at http://www.nywolf.org/webcams. If you see something cool, let us know! For more information about wolves and the WCC's participation in wolf recovery, please visit our website at www.nywolf.org and follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/nywolforg) and twitter (https://twitter.com/nywolforg), and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/wolfconservationcenter)
