WOLVES IN SCOTLAND

REINTRODUCING WOLVES INTO SCOTLAND

Wolves were last seen in the wild in Scotland in the seventeenth century but in recent times there have been proposals to reintroduce the animal to more remote highland areas of the country. Four scientists give their views on the idea.

There are four points of view according to different scientists:



1.- The idea of reintroducing wolves into Scotland three centuries after they were eradicated has a romantic appeal, and if, as wolf reintroduction schemes in parts of the USA like Montana suggest would happen, they reduced red deer numbers and consequently stimulated greater biodiversity, this would be very positive. This potential ecological benefit is undeniable but comparisons with the USA are deceptive. Scotland is a small country and keeping wolves away from its many livestock farms would be difficult. Scotland also has limited economic resources, and the funds required to introduce and manage packs of wolves would be far better spent maintaining and enhancing native species already present in the country. The few opinion polls that have been carried out on the subject reveal that most Scottish people, while attracted by the idea of wolves in their limited remaining wilderness areas, question the sense in pursuing the idea in the foresseable future.

2.- Scientists largery agree about reintroducing wolves into wilderness areas: by preying on deer and other vegetation-destroying animals, wolves help create conditions for various tree and plant species to prosper, which then attracts a greater variety of wildlife. All this happens at little expense. Even the cost of monitoring the wolves and compensating farmers for any livestock killed can be offset by growth in revenue from tourism as visitors are attracted by the opportunity to observe wolves in their wild habitat. The fact is, however, that Scotland is not ready for wolves. It is a relatively small country with many sheep farmers horrified by the idea that their flocks could be vulnerable to wolf attacks. The Scottish countryside is also  heavily used by recreational walkers, climbers and fishing enthusiasts, most of whom would surely feel uncomfortable at the thought of carrying out their hobbies in the company of wolves.

3.- Scotland is currently home to large numbers of red deer which over-graze and prevent native trees and other plants from growing. Each year, many deer have to be culled, but wolves, if re-introduced, would keep the deer population down naturally, leading to reforestation and greater biodiversity. We know this because of wolf reintroduction programmes in the USA. Comparatives studies suggest that similar schemes would be eminently feasible in parts of Scotland. Monitoring wolf packs to ensure they were not a threat to farms and the general public would, of course, require funding, but there would almost certainly be a rise in tourism in areas with wolves, which  would probably mean a net economic gain. Realistically, we will not see wolves reintroduced into Scotland any time soon, largery because of opposition from the powerful Scottish farming lobby, but surveys indicate a majority of Scottish citizens would actually be in favour.

4.- The impression is sometimes given that wolves are natural feature of the Scottish landscape reintroduced would restore the environment to some original, ideal condition. The fact is, however, that there have been no wolves in Scotland for 300 years and in that time, the country´s ecosystem has been transformed. To introduce wolves would effectively mean bringing in an alien species. It is always difficult to know precisely what impact non-native species will have on a particular ecosystem, but in many instances – rats are a classic example in many parts of the world- huge damage has been caused, with considerable economic consequences. Why take a risk in Scotland where the farming sector is going through hard times as it is? It would be far more sensible to focus on looking after species we already have than to get involved in an over-ambitious project involving a potentially dangerous, though glamorous, animal.

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