Interesting article about wolves in Europe

[nigelp]

A wolf killed the EU president's precious pony - then the fight to catch the predator began

Interesting article about wolves in Europe, their population numbers and how they coexist with human populations.

I’m not sure the size of British Countryside would suit wolves being reintroduced but I think having these wonderful animals living wild would also be quite something.

A wolf killed the EU president’s precious pony - then the fight to catch the predator began

After being hunted to near extinction, wolves have returned to Europe. But when one killed Ursula von der Leyen’s family pony, it ignited a high-stakes battle. Are the animals’ days numbered?

www.theguardian.com

 

[Chris]

They had an enormous impact when reintroduced in Yellowstone in the US. I suppose it is tricky here with our lack of space, but perhaps there are areas in Scotland where they could thrive and benefit the ecosystem?

Wolves Change Ecosystem and Geography in Yellowstone

In 1995, Yellowstone brought the wolves back to the park. After 70 years without wolves, the reintroduction caused unanticipated change in Yellowstone's ecosystem and even its physical geography.

sites.tufts.edu

 

[nigelp]

They had an enormous impact when reintroduced in Yellowstone in the US. I suppose it is tricky here with our lack of space, but perhaps there are areas in Scotland where they could thrive and benefit the ecosystem?

Wolves Change Ecosystem and Geography in Yellowstone

In 1995, Yellowstone brought the wolves back to the park. After 70 years without wolves, the reintroduction caused unanticipated change in Yellowstone's ecosystem and even its physical geography.

sites.tufts.edu

I think they would do better in the south, where all the woodland and deer are! I can’t see the general populace of the UK being up for it; I think as a country of supposed animal lovers we actually treat our wild animals very poorly!

 

[grainweevil]

Alas, conservationists think "Oh, the wolves can kill the surplus of deer" while the wolves, not having been told this, think instead "Oh, those nice fat sheep/cows/ponies look tasty. And all so conveniently placed together." Unhappiness with wolves ensues.

 

[Herman30]

Wolves will absolutly kill domestic animals because they are easier to get that wild deer.

 

[demented dale]

A wolf killed the EU president's precious pony - then the fight to catch the predator began

Interesting article about wolves in Europe, their population numbers and how they coexist with human populations.

I’m not sure the size of British Countryside would suit wolves being reintroduced but I think having these wonderful animals living wild would also be quite something.

A wolf killed the EU president’s precious pony - then the fight to catch the predator began

After being hunted to near extinction, wolves have returned to Europe. But when one killed Ursula von der Leyen’s family pony, it ignited a high-stakes battle. Are the animals’ days numbered?

www.theguardian.com

I read this book which covers the subject of rewilding including the return of wolves to the UK. I found it interesting.

Feral (book) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Herman30]

This is what wolves did to a sheepfarmer i Finland. And there are numerous more.

 

[TeeDee]

Whilst wild species may be able to quickly adapt to being reintroduced that is not my greatest concern.

I will happily predict a slew of people whom ( incorrectly ) believe that they have a 'special connection' or can 'talk' to the wild species and approach them which in turn becomes harassing of a wild species which will react badly and lead to events which will be looked at through a very one way lens.

Anyone remember Timothy Treadwell.

 

[nigelp]

This is what wolves did to a sheepfarmer i Finland. And there are numerous more.

Best not bother then. Just make the wolves extinct because it’s too much effort to coexist.

Most sheep are only breed to have lambs to be eaten anyway so I didn’t really see what the fuss is about.

 

[nigelp]

Whilst wild species may be able to quickly adapt to being reintroduced that is not my greatest concern.

I will happily predict a slew of people whom ( incorrectly ) believe that they have a 'special connection' or can 'talk' to the wild species and approach them which in turn becomes harassing of a wild species which will react badly and lead to events which will be looked at through a very one way lens.

Anyone remember Timothy Treadwell.

Wolf Whisper’s!
That will be a very quick craze on TikTok.

 

[nigelp]

I read this book which covers the subject of rewilding including the return of wolves to the UK. I found it interesting.

Feral (book) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

I’ll see if they have that in the library.

 

[Herman30]

Anyone remember Timothy Treadwell.

Yes, I have heard him scream. Those bears weren´t so cuddly after all.

 

[Chris]

Wolf Whisper’s!
That will be a very quick craze on TikTok.

I think the wolves will solve that problem for us.

 

[TeeDee]

Best not bother then. Just make the wolves extinct because it’s too much effort to coexist.

Most sheep are only breed to have lambs to be eaten anyway so I didn’t really see what the fuss is about.

I for one would not want wolves ( or any flora/fauna ) to become extinct and if land was available would like to see safe havens so all native species could be introduced but the question of how we all co-habit without incident is massive and I fear somewhat unsolvable - we either accept that there will be incidents or we try to limit them to the nth degree.

I'm not sure how much land would need to be set aside for a viable community of Wolves , Bears , Beavers etc to create a self sustainable biome if there was an enforced perimeter but I suspect the only place this could be entertained would be the highlands.

Near to me is Wildwood - a country estate that has tried to bring all the native species back as one - although I imagine it will receive scorn from certain sectors.

Wildwood Devon

Wildwood Devon

devon.wildwoodtrust.org

 

[nigelp]

The article did say that human wolf interaction was minimal. The wolves are naturally cautious and wary of humans so there is/was little risk of incidents occurring.

The UK is small island so reintroduction of wolves would probably not work here.

 

[Paul_B]

Wolf Whisper’s!
That will be a very quick craze on TikTok.

A short craze you mean as the proponents disappear!

 

[Paul_B]

There's another point to make. UK wildlife charities such at wwf and others promote reintroduction and protection of pretty serious predators or other large and dangerous animals in other parts of the world. Preaching to mostly agrarian locals that they most coexist with these animals.

Yet back home we're mostly completely against the reintroduction of formerly native species. Hypocritical or what?

 

[Tengu]

I say not to support something you wont live next to yourself.

 

[Broch]

The sad truth is we live on a very crowded, overpopulated, island and we have gone way past the time of being able to re-introduce wolves and bears (lynx may be possible). Instead, let's concentrate on providing the habitats and environments for what we have here; we're still losing too many species and, unfortunately, many are unseen. We just protect the 'pretty' popular ones; the small black multi-legged invertebrate under that damp log is just as important

 

[Paul_B]

The thing is every ecology has what's called keystone species I think. They're the one species that keeps the ecology healthy. Aiui blue whales in the oceans, other whales in other areas. Wolves in yellowstone definitely. Perhaps wolves in Scotland might fit this category.

Also bear in mind we're overcrowded and overpopulated in cities, conurbations and larger towns too but there's a lot of the UK that isn't. There's a phrase used in many places concerning nature. "Make space for wildlife"! Put simply, we could if we wanted. As a country we don't so we won't. Only the small cuddlies like beavers get through our inability to make space. White tailed eagles, red kite, etc are the acceptable ones. They're not that significant as a species to the ecology of the UK, they're just nice looking animals that don't cause people many issues. It's a bit sad really.