Wolf FAQ
- Highland Wolves
- Wolves & People
- Grey Wolves
- Conservation Status
- Fallacies
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Highland Wolves
 The Highlands: Loch Awe & Kilchurn Castle. Courtesy Scottish Panoramic |
What is the first step in the Highland wolf reintroduction? Public education - public education - and more of the same. People, including professional conservationists, must be aware of the real wolf, that wolves are part of our natural inheritance, what happened to wolves in the Highlands, the benefits, drawbacks and potential impact of wolves on the Highland ecology and economy, etc. There will be no recovery if people are ignorant about wolves. Top of page  What is the difference between a reintroduction and a recovery? A reintroduction is the release of individuals, can take place in a day and is an event. But although it may be successful the subsequent recovery of the population may fail (eg the individuals may all die out after a few years). A recovery is only successful when the population of released animals increases in size and is unlikely to die out in the foreseeable future. Thus a recovery is about a population, is an ongoing process, and can last years - even a century. Top of page When will wolves be reintroduced in the Highlands? When broad public opinion want wolves returned, which depends on educating the public about wolves, and when the Government agrees to a reintroduction. Top of page Are there conventions promoting a wolf reintroduction in Britain? Yes, Britain should consider the possibility of reintroducing wolves under the
1) Bern Convention The Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention for short) was signed in Bern, Switzerland in 1979 and came into force in 1982. Its aim is to conserve wild animals and plants and their natural habitats. To date the Convention has been signed and ratified by over 30 European nations from Portugal to Azerbaijan, including the United Kingdom. The effectiveness of the Convention is monitored by a committee made up of parties to the Convention. From time to time the committee makes additions to the Convention. Additions are called 'recommendations' and one is: The parties to the Convention (ie including Britain), under item A13, are required to: "Consider the possibility of carrying out captive breeding and reintroduction programmes in areas where the species has been extinct or is endangered..." And, under item H: "...where the wolf has disappeared to support actively the conservation of this species, particularly by promoting public awareness, encouraging research in its present distribution area, studying reintroduction possibilities, and collaborating with the states where wolves survive."
2) Habitats Directive The European Union's 'Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora' (or the Habitats Directive for short) was adopted in Brussels, Belgium, on 21st May 1992, and Britain is a party to it. The main aim of the Habitats Directive is to promote the maintenance of biodiversity. Article 22 of the Directive reads: "In implementing the provisions of this Directive, Member States shall: (a) study the desirability of re-introducing species in Annex IV that are native to their territory..." The species in Annex IV are "in need of strict protection" and include the wolf. Full text: Habitats DirectiveHabitats Directive). Top of page Will the Government reintroduce wolves? The Government's conservation agency in Scotland is Scottish Natural Heritage. They are the body that would largely control the wolf reintroduction. SNH rely on the goodwill of landowners and farmers to further their conservation achievements. Landowners and farmers are few in number but control most of the land in Britain. For example, about half the land in the Scottish Highlands is owned by only about 100 people (Wightman; Wightman 1996). Thus even just a few landowners and sheep farmers can be influential and Scottish Natural Heritage would not want to upset them for the sake of a single species. Top of page Will large conservation organisations support a wolf reintroduction? No. For the same reason that Scottish Natural Heritage do not yet support a reintroduction (see above 'Will the Government reintroduce wolves?'): large conservation organisations do not want to upset landowners and farmers, who may retaliate by withdrawing their support for conservation works on their land. Top of page Will small conservation organisations support a wolf reintroduction? Many smaller organisations adopt a wait and see attitude, preferring to follow Scottish Natural Heritage and the larger conservation organisations. Top of page Who might best promote a wolf reintroduction? Organisations who are independent of Government, farmers, landowners and large conservation organisations. Top of page What is the second step in a wolf reintroduction? An environmental impact study. Top of page What is an environmental impact study? An EIS is a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of a proposed reintroduction. It is a guide on the practicalities of reintroducing wolves, essential for informed public debate, crucial for convincing the Secretary of State for Scotland (who must authorise a release of wolves) and a stipulation for a reintroduction by the World Conservation Union and by the Council of Europe. The EIS researches questions such as the suitability of the Highlands for wolves, public attitudes toward a reintroduction, identification of potential wolf-human problems, and whether a wolf recovery might succeed. The EIS should be carried out by impartial researchers, published and distributed widely to all who are interested. An EIS is a necessary and essential backbone for a successful reintroduction. Top of page Who will be involved in a wolf reintroduction? Recovery of extirpated species requires a multi-disciplinary effort involving many people and agencies to address the ecological, economic and political factors involved. A particularly important agency is Scottish Natural Heritage; they advise the Secretary of Sate for Scotland, who is the ultimate authority to empower a release of wolves. Top of page References Wightman A: Introduction to Land Tenure.. Wightman A (1996): Who owns Scotland. Cannongate Books, Edinburgh. 237p.
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