Why Hunting Matters: A Case Study Of Ungulate Use On Riparian Ecosystems | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Why Hunting Matters: A Case Study Of Ungulate Use On Riparian Ecosystems

Population control is important to the health, vitality and success of wildlife and their habitats alike.

43
Why Hunting Matters: A Case Study Of Ungulate Use On Riparian Ecosystems
Wallpaper Up

Red Rock Lakes Wildlife Refuge (RRLWR), located in Southwest Montana, is home to the largest wetland complex in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. These riparian zones are essential habitat for migrating waterfowl, ungulates and predators alike. Therefore, it is important that the refuge maintains healthful wetlands to be utilized by wildlife. Outlined in the Comprehensive Conservation Plan for the refuge are the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s goals and objectives for the area. They are stated as such:

"Maintain at least 2,000 acres of willow-dominated riparian habitat at moderate to low browse levels for the greater than eighty Shiras moose …If the browse surveys show that browse levels are above a threshold that would sustain or improve current willow habitats, cooperate with MFWP to develop and implement an adaptive harvest plan for native ungulates."

According to Bill West, the refuge manager, this is perhaps one of the most controversial goals in the entirety of the Comprehensive Conservation Plan for Red Rock Lakes Wildlife Refuge. Many special-interest groups were outraged, concerned or upset by the idea that Alces alces (Shiras moose) might be harvested on a wildlife refuge. These feelings are not unique to the refuge, the region or even Montana. In many places, special interest groups and individuals alike ban together under the idea that hunting shouldn’t be a part of people’s lives. Whatever the reasoning for their apprehensions, they are often misplaced. Population management is needed in places like Red Rock Lakes Wildlife Refuge to lower the spread of disease, make sure that adequate food resources are available and maintain habitats.

The facts are that humans have divided by home ranges of thousands of different types of animals and therefore the landscape can, often times, not support the historic wildlife populations. This idea applies to willow-dominated wetlands, which are sometimes overbrowsed by moose and elk. The importance to maintaining healthy riparian ecosystems cannot be overstated and woody vegetation is a key component to the majority of riparian ecosystems, including those on the Red Rock Lakes Wildlife refuge. Because intense browsing by multiple herbivores can have negative effects of growth, reproductions and even long-term persistence of willows, it is vital that the Refuge maintains their goals for healthy, willow-dominated riparian habitat. Moreover, there is evidence that the browsing of willows by moose over a long period (50+-100 years) of time can contribute to slower decomposition rates. In a study conducted in 1997 in Alaska, it was found that in riparian areas, which are typically known for relatively high decomposition levels, saw that herbivory by moose contributed to the ultimate encroachment of conifers and slower carbon turnover.

If and when ungulate population increase in riparian zones to the point where over-browsing is occurring, it is time to take action. Hunting is a relatively humane form of population control that helps mimics predator events that happen in nature, but have been disrupted by humans. Willows, such as those found in RRLWR are utilized to not only moose but species of concern such as trumpeter swans and artic greyling. Over-browsing can even contribute to wetland disappearance altogether. From a purely biologic standpoint, hunting is an important tool to maintaining the health of our environment.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

179383
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

6526
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

452002
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23012
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments