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Miguel Jorge
WriterJournalist. I've spent more than half of my life writing about technology, science, and culture. Before landing here, I worked at Telefónica, Prisa, Globus Comunicación, Hipertextual, and Gizmodo. I'm part of Webedia's cross-section team.
Alba Mora
WriterAn established tech journalist, I entered the world of consumer tech by chance in 2018. In my writing and translating career, I've also covered a diverse range of topics, including entertainment, travel, science, and the economy.
If science is correct, the climate emergency is becoming increasingly urgent. Addressing the pressing issues affecting our planet’s climate is essential. In recent years, authorities have tried to tackle these challenges with innovative approaches, ranging from filling the stratosphere with diamond dust to generating rain in deserts using solar farms. The United Kingdom recently presented an unexpected proposal.
Reintroducing wolves. According to a study conducted by the University of Leeds, the reintroduction of wolves to the Highlands of Scotland could significantly enhance the growth of native forests and contribute to carbon sequestration. Researchers estimate that this process could allow for the storage of up to one million tons of carbon dioxide each year, which would represent around 5% of the UK’s carbon removal target for its forests.
Context: the impact of having no wolves left. Over the centuries, wolves have faced persecution throughout Europe due to their impact on livestock and monarchs’ orders. In England, for example, King Edward I (1272-1307) ordered their total eradication, a campaign that reached its peak under the reign of Henry VII (1485-1509).
In Scotland, wolves managed to survive until the 17th century thanks to the area’s mountainous geography and low population density. However, they were still constantly hunted. In 1283, bounties were offered for wolf hunters in Stirling in Central Scotland. In 1427, King James I of Scotland enacted laws aimed at their extermination. In the end, wolves disappeared from Scotland about 250 years ago.
The eradication of wolves has led to significant ecological consequences, one of the most serious being the out-of-control overpopulation of red deer. Today, it’s estimated that there are around 400,000 red deer in Scotland, a number that has surged in the absence of natural predators. This increase has caused severe overgrazing, given that the deer feed on tree seedlings, hindering the natural regeneration of forests.
How can the return of wolves benefit the ecosystem? The study utilized a Markovian predator-prey model to investigate the effects of wolf reintroduction on ecological dynamics in Scotland. The findings indicate that a population of around 167 wolves could decrease the deer density to fewer than two per square mile, enabling trees to regrow naturally.
The study highlights several ecological and climatic benefits of this initiative. One key benefit is the expansion of native forests. They currently cover only 4% of Scotland’s land area, making it one of the least forested regions in Europe. Additionally, increased forest cover could lead to substantial carbon sequestration, potentially capturing one million tons of carbon dioxide per year.
Economically, the reintroduction of wolves represents a significant opportunity. Each wolf could absorb 6,080 tons of carbon dioxide per year, which equates to a carbon sequestration value of around $194,000 per wolf.
Joint forces. Researcher Dominick Spracklen emphasized the importance of addressing the climate and biodiversity crises together. He highlighted that natural processes, such as species reintroduction, can play a vital role in recovering degraded ecosystems and can benefit biodiversity and the climate.
Challenges. The idea isn’t entirely new. Other countries like Japan have introduced predator species to control or eliminate other animals, often leading to disastrous outcomes. While the proposal to reintroduce wolves to Scotland has significant ecological potential, it remains a contentious issue. Careful management would be necessary, especially in areas near human settlements and livestock.
The study’s authors highlight conflicts with ranchers and farmers who are concerned about potential attacks on livestock. They also note the opposition from deer hunters, whose activities may be impacted by a decrease in the deer population. Additionally, public perception and social acceptance pose challenges because the presence of wolves can create anxiety in some rural communities.
In light of these issues, researcher Lee Schofield emphasized the importance of conducting public consultations and engaging stakeholders before considering reintroducing wolves. He also pointed out that conflicts between humans and predators are common. As such, any strategy must include policies that address and mitigate the effects on people and their economic activities.
The future of wolves in Scotland. Wolves have managed to recover a portion of their historical territory in Europe. With an estimated population of 12,000 individuals in Western Europe, they currently occupy 67% of their original range. In countries such as France and Germany, the reintroduction of wolves has sparked intense debates. In some cases, compensation programs have been established to assist affected farmers.
If Scotland decides to move forward with reintroducing wolves, it would join a growing global movement to bring back top predators as a means to restore ecosystems and combat climate change. The success of this initiative will depend on implementing effective management strategies that balance ecological conservation with the needs of local communities.
Image | Bjorn Snelders
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