WILD IDEAS
The Cattle on a plateau at 2,300m above sea
level by Steve Cracknell
BY STEVE CRACKNELL
at the door? STEVE CRACKNELL DISCUSSES THE PLACE OF WOLVES IN HERDING COMMUNITIES IN EUROPE AND FINDS IT'S NOT ALL HATE FOR THE TRADITIONAL ENEMY
T
he last known grey wolf in Ireland was killed in 1786. What would happen if the species were to return? Ecologically speaking, as a top predator the wolf would again become a key element of the ecosystem. A whole new waterfall of effects would come into being, powered by the ‘trophic cascade’: animals at the top of the food chain eat those lower down. The splashes have far-reaching consequences. As a carnivore that often hunts in packs, wolves are capable of harrying big herbivores. Old and sick animals are eliminated, improving the health of the prey herd. Moreover, the simple presence of wolves keeps prey species away. Trees grow. In the absence of wolves, we humans have become the top predators, shaping the environment to our own design. Is it time to take a step back? 30
Irish Wildlife Winter ‘21
030_IWT Winter 2021_The_Wolf_FINAL.indd 30
26/11/2021 11:21
