REINTRODUCING wolves in the 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.
Research suggests this alone could contribute to around 5% of the carbon removal target for UK woodlands, roughly equivalent to one million tonnes.
The study estimates each wolf would lead to an annual carbon uptake capability of 6080 tonnes of CO2, making each wolf worth around £154,000, using accepted current valuations of carbon.
The research, published on Monday in the Ecological Solutions and Evidence journal, marks the first time the impact reintroducing wolves would have on woodland expansion and carbon storage in the UK has been recorded.
Lead author Professor Dominick Spracklen, from the university’s 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.”
The exact year is unclear, but it is widely accepted that wolves were officially eradicated from Scotland around 250 years ago.
This left red deer with no natural predators, and while efforts have been made to keep their population under control, their numbers have increased over the last 100 years to an estimated 400,000 today in Scotland alone.
The researchers said only 4% of Scotland is covered by woodland today, making it one of the least forested places in Europe.
The wolf population in western Europe currently sits at around 12,000, occupying 67% of their former territory.
The researchers have said they expect some controversy to follow their research, particularly from farmers concerned about livestock and deer stalkers.
But they say despite fears, the benefits must be considered.
Lee Schofield, a co-author of the study, 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.”
Earlier this month First Minister John Swinney (below) ruled out the reintroduction of any large carnivores in Scotland following the illegal release of lynx in January.
Four lynx were illegally released near the Dell of Killiehuntly in the Highlands before being humanely captured. However, one later died.
Speaking at the National Farmers Union Scotland annual general meeting Swinney was quizzed on his environmental policies as farmers have complained about beaver reintroduction projects in recent years, saying they damage land.
However, rewilding campaigners say the animals can improve the environment and biodiversity.
He said: “Ministers are acutely aware of the concerns many of you have about the introduction of new species.
“Let me be very clear, the recent illegal release of four lynx was both reckless and posed a serious risk to the welfare of those animals released.
“My Government will not be reintroducing lynx, or indeed any other large carnivorous species in Scotland.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government will not be reintroducing any large carnivorous species in Scotland.
“Sustainable deer management is vital to help us protect tree-planting and natural regeneration– all are key to achieving our climate and nature targets.
“We recognise the need to increase the deer cull throughout Scotland which is why we are taking forward a mixture of legislative reform and trialling new incentives to support increased deer management to maximise the benefits to rural communities.”
