Bringing wolves back to the Scottish Highlands could help restore native forests and absorb one million metric tons of CO2 every year, according to a new study led by researchers at the University of Leeds.
Their findings suggest that wolves, by naturally controlling red deer populations, could allow woodlands to regenerate and play an important role in fighting climate change.
How wolves could help the environment
Scotland’s red deer population has grown dramatically over the last century, reaching nearly 400,000. With no natural predators, the deer overgraze on young trees, preventing forests from regrowing.
The research team used a predator-prey model to study how introducing wolves into four areas—Cairngorms, South-west Highlands, Central Highlands, and North-west Highlands—could reduce deer numbers.
They estimate that around 167 wolves in these areas could bring the deer population to a level where trees can grow naturally again.
Restoring Scotland’s forests could remove one million metric tons of CO2 from the atmosphere every year. That’s about 5% of the UK’s woodland carbon removal goal set to reach net-zero by 2050.
According to the researchers, each wolf could help absorb around 6,080 metric tons of CO2 per year, making each animal’s contribution to carbon removal worth £154,000 based on current carbon pricing.
Scotland’s declining native forests
Wolves disappeared from Scotland about 250 years ago due to hunting and habitat loss. Without predators, red deer populations expanded, leading to overgrazing and a decline in Scotland’s forests.
Today, Scotland has one of the lowest levels of native woodland in Europe, with only 4% of the country covered in natural forests. Most tree regeneration happens only in areas where deer are kept out with fences or where deer numbers are strictly managed.
In some places, reducing deer to fewer than four per square kilometer has led to noticeable tree regrowth. This suggests that natural wolf predation could achieve similar results without the need for expensive human-led deer culling.
Wolves are returning across europe
Wolves have already made a comeback in Western Europe, where their population now exceeds 12,000. They are found in 67% of their former range, including countries with dense human populations, like the Netherlands.
However, reintroducing wolves in Scotland would not be without controversy. Livestock farmers and deer stalkers may be concerned about the impact on their industries.
While challenges exist, researchers argue that bringing wolves back could provide many environmental and economic benefits, including:
- Increased carbon storage through restored woodlands
- More ecotourism and opportunities for wildlife watching
- Fewer deer-related road accidents
- Lower rates of Lyme disease, which is spread by ticks commonly found on deer
- Reduced costs of human-led deer culling
The study’s authors acknowledge that any wolf reintroduction would require careful planning and public discussion.
Lee Schofield, a co-author of the study, emphasized the need for extensive engagement with stakeholders, including farmers, conservationists, and local communities. He stated that while conflicts between humans and large carnivores are common, well-designed policies can help balance the interests of both people and wildlife.
Professor Dominick Spracklen, the study’s lead author, also pointed out that climate change and biodiversity loss must be addressed together. “We need to use natural solutions, like species reintroduction, to restore our ecosystems and help fight climate change,” he said.
While the debate over reintroducing wolves to Scotland continues, this research adds valuable new evidence to the discussion, suggesting that wolves could play a key role in restoring Scotland’s natural landscapes and reducing carbon emissions.
