Return of the Wolf?

Wolves made the headlines recently, after scientists published a paper looking at the potential effects of wolf reintroduction in Scotland. Their aim was to carry out an unbiased study to investigate some of the ecological, social and economic effects, if these top predators were ever returned to the Highlands, following their absence of over 250 years.

Using sophisticated population models, they predicted the likely effects of wolves on the red deer population. Deer numbers are currently unnaturally high, and are causing widespread ecological damage. They concluded that over a period of around 60 years the presence of wolves could reduce deer populations to a level that would allow regeneration of natural forest.

The effect on the deer population would be greater than that witnessed in some other countries, and this is possibly because Scottish red deer tend to produce a single calf only once every two years, which is a relatively low reproductive rate.

Other effects would be a reduction in numbers of smaller predators such as foxes, which would reduce predator control costs on grouse moors. It is suggested that wolf predation could also reduce the incidence of Lyme's disease, which is transmitted by deer ticks.

The researchers investigated the attitudes of rural and urban populations towards wolf reintroduction. Both samples were generally positive. On a scale of -18 to +18, the average score was +6 for the urban sample and +2 for the rural sample. A sample of farmers scored -4, although the body that represents them scored -16.

Economically, they found that wolves would be likely to bring in wealth to the rural economy. Since landowners are obliged to control deer numbers, they would be spared the expense of culling hinds. It was calculated that a deer estate could make £800 from 10 square km in a year if wolves were present, compared to £550 at present. They didn't look closely at the ecotourism potential, but judging from the reintroduction in Yellowstone National Park in the US, the presence of wolves could be a real economic boost.

The authors recognise that since wolves sometimes prey on livestock, there would be a conflict with sheep farming, especially as sheep on Scottish hills are free ranging rather than in protected flocks. However, they also point out that sheep farming is heavily subsidised and is not really profitable in the Highlands, so is likely to decline in the future (they suggest this is why many farmers aren't more strongly opposed to the idea). Also, subsidies are now independent of the number of sheep on a farm, which would help matters.

Sheep depredation in other countries has understandably proved to be very emotive. Compensation schemes and education have proved to be successful solutions in many cases. Another emotive issue is wolves' tendency to attack domestic dogs. The authors suggest this could be partly addressed by an education and information programme for dog owners.

Wolves range over long distances in search of new territory and mates. Therefore, with limited space, population control would probably be required. This raises ethical issues, and would not be accepted universally.

It seems there would be many benefits resulting from reintroduction of wolves, and that it would be essential for the long-term regeneration of healthy ecosystems. However, immediate release would not be a good idea, least of all for wolves, which may be persecuted if they are not welcome. Further research, education, public consultation and careful planning are all essential, for this idea to be embraced on a wider scale.

This study sheds some important scientific light on reintroductions, and helps bring the debate up to date. If you're interested in looking at the full study, it can be downloaded here.

Dan Puplett

 

Source:

Nilsen, E.B., Milner-Gulland, E.J., Schofield, L., Mysterud, A., Stenseth, N.C., Coulson, T. (2006). Wolf reintroduction to Scotland: public attitudes and consequences for red deer management. Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

Return to Missing Species of the Caledonian Forest -> Wolf.

Pages about the Wolf on this site

• Missing species of the Caledonian Forest: Wolf
• Return of the Wolf?
• Ecological Features of the Caledonian Forest: Predation
• Wolves and Ravens
• Postcard from Transylvania
• Mythology and Folklore of the Wolf
• Can an area of the Scottish Highlands sustain a pack of wolves? (abstract of BSc dissertation)