Should wolves be reintroduced to Scotland?
- Yes
- 275
- No
- 49
The restoration of lost species to our environment has become a big talking point of late – and one which has found favour with the public.
TFN recently reported that the beaver reintroduction programme in Argyll has been voted the ‘wildlife event of the year’ – while there has been almost universal support for the successful scheme to bring back red kites.
Meanwhile, the older programme to reintroduce white-tailed eagles to the Hebrides, which started in 1975, has paid off as the majestic birds spread from Rhum to neighbouring islands – bringing tourists and their cash with them.
Reintroductions aren’t always popular though. Landowners, gamekeepers and farmers have expressed feelings ranging from doubt to outright hostility to the cases listed above.
And they continue to oppose plans to bring back top predators such as the lynx and the wolf.
Restoring these, they say, would be disastrous for farm and game stocks – and could even be harmful to the public.
However, environmental charities say they would help restore balance to eco-systems, providing a natural control for deer. And, like the eagles, people will come to see them.
The reintroduction of the wolf has been done elsewhere – with significant results (see below).
So that’s why we’re asking: Is it time to bring them back?
Should wolves be reintroduced to Scotland?
Vote now and get the debate going by leaving a comment.
