Wolves reintroducing in Scottish highlands could lead to the expansion of native forests that can store and store one million tonnes of carbon dioxide a year, researchers suggest.
A study led by researchers at the University of Leeds can reintroduce species into cairngorms, and southwest, northwest and central highlands could help to curb the problem of red deer-eating tree seedlings that halt natural reforestation He said it was sexual. .
Scientists estimated that about 167 animals would thrive if wolves were reintroduced. He said this is sufficient to reduce the red deer population to a level that allows the tree to regenerate naturally.
The study suggested that this alone could contribute approximately 5% of the carbon removal targets in forest areas in the UK.
This study estimated that each wolf leads to an annual carbon uptake capacity of 6,080 tonnes of CO2, and that each wolf will be worth around 154,000 pounds using an accepted assessment of carbon.
The study, published Monday in the Ecological Solutions and Evidence Journal, is the first time that the effects of wolves reintroduced to forest expansion and carbon storage in the UK have been documented.
Research's lead author, Professor Dominic Splacklen, said at the faculty of the University's Earth and Environment Schools: “There is growing awareness that the climate and biodiversity crisis cannot be managed alone.
“The potential role of natural processes such as species reintroduction must be considered to restore degraded ecosystems.
The exact year is unknown, but it is widely accepted that the wolves were officially eradicated from Scotland about 250 years ago. This has left the natural predator-free red deer and has been working to continue to control the population, but over the past 100 years, it has increased to an estimated 400,000 people today in Scotland alone.
Researchers said that only 4% of Scotland today is covered in Woodland, one of Europe's least forested locations.
The population of wolves in Western Europe is around 12,000, with animals making up 67% of their previous territory.
Researchers say they expect a backlash towards their research, especially from farmers who are concerned about livestock and deer stems.
After the newsletter promotion
The policy of reintroducing wolves as Scottish apex predators is highly divided, with some farmers and rural communities opposed the measure. Wolf populations are also lightning due to discussion in Europe where species are making a surprising comeback.
However, researchers say benefits must be considered.
Lee Schofield, co-author of the study, said:
“Before considering the reintroduction of wolves, we recognize that substantial and broad stakeholders and public engagement is clearly essential.
“Conflicts in human life, including carnivorous animals, are common and need to be addressed through public policy that explains people's attitudes to successful reintroduction.”
