"Loss of Northern Hemisphere Carnivores Distresses Ecosystems"

"CORVALLIS, Ore. -- Across the Northern Hemisphere, populations of moose, deer, and other large herbivores now far exceed their historic levels and are disrupting ecosystems, finds a new survey on the loss of large predators, particularly wolves."

"'The preservation or recovery of large predators may represent an important conservation need for helping to maintain the resiliency of northern forest ecosystems, especially in the face of a rapidly changing climate,' conclude the survey authors from Oregon State University.

'These issues do not just affect the United States and a few national parks,' said William Ripple, an Oregon State University professor of forestry and lead author of the study. 'The data from Canada, Alaska, the Yukon, Northern Europe and Asia are all showing similar results.'

'There's consistent evidence that large predators help keep populations of large herbivores in check, with positive effects on ecosystem health,' said Ripple."