Wolf Reintroduction in Scotland May Help Achieve Net-Zero Goals

Reintroduction of wolves to the Scottish Highlands would have a major impact on the country's ecosystem as well as helping climate change mitigation. Researchers at the University of Leeds have recently investigated how such reintroduction would influence red deer populations, native woodland encroachment, and carbon sequestration.

Impact on Red Deer Populations

The study used a predator-prey model to assess the effect wolves would have on red deer populations across four areas that were identified as Scottish Wild Land: the Cairngorms, South-west Highlands, Central Highlands, and North-west Highlands. These areas now endure overgrazing by red deer that prevents natural regeneration of trees. The model predicts that releasing approximately 167 wolves into these areas would reduce red deer numbers to below 4 deer per square kilometer, a level at which woodland regrowth is feasible. This reduction is predicted to occur between 20 and 23 years post-reintroduction. BES JOURNALS
Native Woodland Expansion and Carbon Sequestration

With less pressure from deer browsing, native woodlands should be able to regenerate naturally. The researchers estimate this regeneration will lock away about one million tonnes of CO₂ annually, fulfilling approximately 5% of the UK's woodland carbon uptake needed to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. From an economic perspective, every wolf might be contributing up to £154,000 per year in carbon capture based on valuations current today for carbon.Considerations and Challenges

While the ecological benefits are positive, the research highlights the necessity of broad public and stakeholder engagement before any reintroduction initiative. Human-wildlife conflict, particularly between humans and large carnivores, is common and must be addressed by people's policies considering the attitudes of people in order to effectively reintroduce animals.Conclusion

The reintroduction of wolves to Scotland's Highlands is a multifaceted prospect for restoration of ecological health, native woodland establishment, and support for combating climate change through enhanced carbon sequestration. Even so, sensitive attention to ecological dynamics and public perception will be the determinate for program success.

Source and Credits

It draws on findings of the research "Wolf reintroduction to Scotland could support substantial native woodland expansion and associated carbon sequestration" that was presented in Ecological Solutions and Evidence