In Washington, scientists excluded elk from rainforest plots for 36 years; shrubs became 5 to 6 times more abundant, while 46 plant species disappeared

A comprehensive study conducted over 36 years in Washington's Olympic Peninsula has unveiled striking insights into elk exclusion's impact on plant communities. Researchers found that while shrubs thrived, numerous smaller plant species vanished, underscoring the elk's critical role in promoting forest diversity through their feeding habits and behavior. These revelations challenge conventional views on herbivores, highlighting the importance of understanding ecological interactions for wildlife management and conservation efforts.