Sylvia Fallon, Senior Scientist, Washington, DC

A new study has documented a decline in songbird populations in Arizona as a result of climate change.  What gets less attention in this story is that this decline is caused by elk over-browsing the plants that provide cover and nesting sites for the birds.  With warming temperatures leading to decreased snow pack over the last 22 years, elk have been staying at higher elevations for longer periods of time, leading to the intensive browsing and resulting reduction in songbirds.

We know that songbirds also declined in the Yellowstone area due to over-browsing of streamside habitat by elk. However, the reintroduction of wolves 15 years ago has facilitated the return of both the habitat and the songbirds, as well as a host of other species such as beavers and frogs. 

Given the role that wolves played in restoring the ecosystem in and around Yellowstone, one can’t help but wonder whether the beleaguered Mexican wolf population might be able to help mitigate the Arizona songbirds’ decline if only they were able to recover across the Southwestern landscape.  By keeping elk on the move, wolves would likely reduce the potential for over-browsing in any particular area.  ...

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