Reintroducing wolves to the Scottish Highlands could lead to an expansion of native woodland, which could take in and store 1 million tonnes of CO2 annually, according to a new study.
Researchers at the University of Leeds modelled the potential impact of reintroducing wolves in four areas classified as Scottish wildland.
In these areas, the consumption of tree saplings by the growing red deer populations is suppressing natural regeneration of trees and woodland.
The researchers used a predator–prey model to estimate that a reintroduction of wolves to four areas in the Cairngorms, southwest highlands, central highlands and the northwest highlands would lead to a total population of around 167 wolves.
That number is enough, the study said, to reduce red deer populations to a level that would allow trees to regenerate naturally.
1 million tonnes of C02 is equivalent to approximately 5% of the carbon removal target for UK woodlands that has been suggested by the UK’s Climate Change Committee as necessary to reach net-zero by 2050.
The researchers estimate that each wolf would lead to an annual carbon uptake capability of 6,080t of CO2, making each of the animals “worth” £154,000, using current carbon valuations.
Lead author of the study, Professor Dominick Spracklen of the University of Leeds’ School of Earth and Environment, said: “There is an increasing acknowledgement that the climate and biodiversity crises cannot be managed in isolation.
“We need to look at the potential role of natural processes such as the reintroduction of species to recover our degraded ecosystems and these in turn can deliver co-benefits for climate and nature recovery.”
According to the study, the lack of natural tree regeneration has contributed to the long-term decline and loss of native woodland, Scotland today has one of the lowest levels of native woodland in Europe, with only 4% of country covered.
The natural regeneration of trees is largely restricted to areas where deer are excluded by fencing.
The researchers recognise that the debate around the reintroduction of wolves to the Scottish Highlands will not be without controversy, particularly among livestock farmers and deer stalkers.
Lee Schofield, a co-author of the study as well as being a farmer and author of books on the subject, said: “Our aim is to provide new information to inform ongoing and future discussions about the possibility of wolf reintroductions both in the UK and elsewhere.
“We recognise that substantial and wide-ranging stakeholder and public engagement would clearly be essential before any wolf reintroduction could be considered.
“Human-wildlife conflicts involving carnivores are common and must be addressed through public policies that account for people’s attitudes for a reintroduction to be successful.”
