The reintroduction of top predators, such as wolves, can have a variety of positive effects on the ecosystem. For example, in areas where wolves are present, there are less deer-vehicle collisions. Economist Jennifer Raynor examined the economic impact that wolves had in Wisconsin. She found a 24% reduction in the amount of Road traffic collisions with deer in areas with a healthy wolf population.

Additionally, wolves have been shown to reduce the prevalence of disease. A 2019 Study by Tanner and others found that the presence of wolf showed a marked reduction in the prevalence of disease in wild boar populations. Wolves can also reduce the incidence of Lyme disease in humans by controlling deer populations, which are known to carry the disease.

 In terms of restoring balance to the ecosystem, top predators play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and regulating populations of prey species and indeed mesopredators like foxes. Without predators, prey populations can grow unchecked, leading to overgrazing and the destruction of habitat. There are economic benefits too, through increased ecotourism activities. A reduction in disease benefits farmers with reduced veterinary costs and less livestock deaths.

One of the most interesting aspects of a top predator in the landscape is that they never overpopulate. Their population is intrinsically linked to the prey population. Increasing when needed and decreasing when balance is restored. Apex predator culls are never necessary.

Despite the benefits that top predators bring to the ecosystem, many farmers argue that reintroducing wolves would harm their livelihoods. However, there are different types of farmers with different interests. While wolves can cause problems for sheep farmers, deer can decimate a crop farmers’ entire living for the year.

A landscape of fear is created when the wolf returns and deer are afraid to stay in one area and over graze. They nibble a little and move on, just in case they are being stalked. Overgrazing is dramatically reduced.

Domestic livestock can be impacted by apex predators. but, a recent paper published in America found that domestic dogs kill 100% more cattle than wolves do and 2000% more sheep than wolves. They also examined the faeces of wolves and found that domestic animals made up less that 1% of their prey.  Wolves and dogs, although related are very different animals. Wolves in the landscape may even encourage pet owners to keep their dogs from roaming the countryside, further benefitting farmers.

In mainland Europe, farmers have been able to profitably coexist with wolves by choosing traditional breeds of livestock that have instincts to protect themselves from wolves. For instance, traditional breeds of cattle have horns and instincts to circle the young and fight off wolves. In addition, fences only 1.2m high have been shown to deter wolves, as they lack the instinct to jump over the fence and instead run along it. A strand of electric wire can further bolster protection and stop digging under the fence.

Shepherd dogs are one of the cheapest and most effective ways to protect sheep from wolves. This method is widely used in Europe and the Middle East to protect sheep from predators. By reverting to the Irish tradition of bringing sheep in at night, the sheep would be better looked after, the highest cause of sheep death globally is neglect, not wolves or dogs.

Releasing wolves to kill deer maybe considered inhumane. It is understandable to question whether wolves killing deer is cruel, but in reality, it can be more humane than allowing the deer to suffer from old age, disease, starvation and injury. In nature, animals do not have access to veterinary care, and often suffer prolonged and painful suffering before death. Wolves are part of the natural balance and quickly put suffering animals out of their misery. Conversely, wolves can actually benefit the deer population by preying on the weak and sick, leaving the healthy and strong to reproduce and pass on their genes. This natural selection process ensures that the fittest individuals survive and continue to improve the health of the population over time. Therefore, reintroducing wolves can be seen as a way to promote the long-term health and welfare of the deer population, rather than being a cruel and inhumane act.

Some argue that the habitat in Ireland is no longer suitable for wolves to return. While it is true that the natural landscape has undergone significant changes in recent years, we must consider that we still have the habitat to support a significant population of deer. Wolves and deer share the same wild places. A study by Colin Guildfoyle found that we do not yet have the habitat for lynx in Ireland. I would argue that wolves are much more adaptable than lynx. They are found in Belgium, Holland, and other European countries with less wilderness and a denser human population, than Ireland. As seen in Yellowstone, wolf presence quickly and dramatically increases forest habitat.

It is also important to note that wolves have a long history of coexisting with humans on this island. Our ancestors were able to live alongside wolves even when the population was almost double what it is today, pre-famine. The ancient Irish respected and revered the wolf.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has developed guidelines for reintroductions, and one of the fundamental consideration for a reintroduction project is that the factors that caused a species’ decline and extinction must be no longer present or have been addressed. Fear and misunderstanding around wolves still exists in Ireland, as evidenced by politicians calls for wildlife culls. Ultimately, the success of any conservation effort will depend on our ability to inspire future generations to care for our planet. Through education and awareness, we can cultivate a sense of responsibility and stewardship in young people, empowering them to become the conservationists of the future.

It’s unfortunate that fear and misinformation continue to dominate discussions around restoring natural predator-prey relationships in Ireland. We need to look at the evidence and rely on the expertise of ecologists and biologists to make informed decisions about the future of our ecosystems. The truth is, a balanced ecosystem with healthy predator-prey relationships is essential for the long-term sustainability of our environment. Not only does it benefit our wildlife and biodiversity, but it also has significant economic and social benefits. We cannot allow uneducated politicians to make decisions based solely on their own interests and disregard the impact it will have on our planet. We must speak up and demand that our natural resources be protected, not just for our own sake, but for the sake of our children and their children. We must remember that we are merely borrowing this planet from them, and it is our duty to leave it in a better condition than we found it. It’s time to put aside unfounded fears and work towards restoring the natural balance of our ecosystems for the benefit of all.

Killian McLaughlin