“Wolves in the Scottish Highlands: A Solution to Climate Change?”

The reintroduction of wolves to the Scottish Highlands could have a significant impact on the environment, according to a new study conducted by scientists at the University of Leeds. The research suggests that by reintroducing wolves to areas in the Southwest, Northwest, Central Highlands, and the Cairngorms, the native woodlands could expand and absorb one million additional tons of carbon dioxide annually.

The study, titled “Wolf reintroduction to Scotland could support substantial native woodland expansion and associated carbon sequestration,” used a predator-prey model to estimate that a total wolf population of approximately 167 wolves would be sufficient to reduce the population of red deer. Red deer populations have been feeding on tree saplings, suppressing the natural regeneration of woodland trees.

With wolves keeping the red deer population in check, native woodlands could expand to absorb 1.1 million tons of carbon dioxide per year. This amount of carbon sequestration would contribute to the United Kingdom’s carbon removal target for woodlands, helping to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Each wolf’s presence is estimated to result in an uptake of 6,702 tons of carbon annually, giving each predator a carbon valuation of roughly $194,554. The financial benefits of carbon uptake and storage from reintroducing wolves to the Scottish Highlands would add to other ecological and economic impacts, such as ecotourism, reduced deer-vehicle accidents, and fewer cases of deer-associated Lyme disease.

Scotland eradicated its wolf population around 250 years ago, leading to the explosion of red deer numbers without natural predators. The lack of natural regeneration of trees has resulted in the decline and loss of native woodlands in Scotland, with only four percent of the country covered in native woodland.

The researchers emphasize the importance of stakeholder and public engagement before any wolf reintroduction could be considered. They acknowledge that human-wildlife conflicts involving carnivores are common and must be addressed through public policies that account for people’s attitudes for reintroduction to be successful.

Overall, the study highlights the potential benefits of reintroducing wolves to the Scottish Highlands in terms of carbon sequestration, ecosystem restoration, and biodiversity conservation. It provides valuable insights into the role of large carnivores in addressing the climate crisis and promoting nature recovery.