Reintroducing wolves in the Scottish Highlands could lead to an expansion of native woodland which could take in and store one million tonnes of CO2 per year, environmental researchers have suggested.
A study led by researchers at the University of Leeds said reintroducing the species into the Cairngorms, south-west, north-west and central Highlands could help curb the problem of red deer eating tree saplings, which stops natural woodland regeneration.
The researchers estimate that if wolves were reintroduced, a population of around 167 of the animals would thrive, which they say is enough to reduce red deer populations to a level that would allow trees to regenerate naturally.
Oh, where is that comment that said that all problems should be solved by introducing wolves into the area…
Eaten by wolves sadly
Is 167 enough for a sustainable breeding population?
Probably is. And according to this study yes.
I couldn’t find the source. Do you have a DOI?
I can’t wait to hear about farmers nipping this in the bud because they’ll have to protect their sheep somewhat now. Or suggest that wolves pose a credible threat to human settlement, of course.