Evaluating Wildlife Reintroductions: Understanding Social ... · North America is renowned for its work to conserve controversial species including wolves, lynx, bison and the condor

Evaluating Wildlife Reintroductions:

Understanding Social, Economic and Ethical Impacts

October 2013 – November 2013

Jo Foo, 2013 Winston Churchill Fellow

All photographs taken by Jo Foo © Mei Photography 2013 unless otherwise stated 2

CONTENTS

SUMMARY ....................................................................................................................... 4

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................ 5

About Jo Foo ....................................................................................................................................... 5 About the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust (WCMT) ...................................................................... 5 Project Background ............................................................................................................................. 6 Project Aims ........................................................................................................................................ 6 Project Plan ......................................................................................................................................... 6 Benefits to the UK ............................................................................................................................... 7

UK REINTRODUCTIONS AND RE-WILDING ......................................................................... 8

TRAVEL ITINERARY ........................................................................................................... 9

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTES ............................................................................................. 10

Wolf Park, Battle Ground, Indiana .................................................................................................... 10 North American Bear Center, Ely, Minnesota ................................................................................... 12 International Wolf Center, Ely, Minnesota ....................................................................................... 13 Vancouver Aquarium, British Columbia, Canada .............................................................................. 14 Key Findings from Educational Institutes ......................................................................................... 15

CONFERENCE .................................................................................................................. 16

International Wolf Symposium, Duluth, Minnesota ......................................................................... 16 Key Findings from Conference .......................................................................................................... 19

NATIONAL PARKS AND RESERVES ................................................................................... 20

Yellowstone National Park ................................................................................................................ 20 Big Sur, California .............................................................................................................................. 27 Grand Canyon, Arizona ..................................................................................................................... 28 Yosemite National Park, California ................................................................................................... 29 Key Findings from National Parks and Reserves ............................................................................... 30

LOCAL COMMUNITIES .................................................................................................... 31

Cody, Wyoming ................................................................................................................................. 31 Gardiner, Montana ........................................................................................................................... 33 Pacific Wild, The Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia, Canada ................................................. 35 Key Findings from Local Communities .............................................................................................. 37

KEY FINDINGS ................................................................................................................. 38

Social Implications ............................................................................................................................ 38 Economical Implications ................................................................................................................... 38 Ecological Implications ...................................................................................................................... 39 Ethical Implications ........................................................................................................................... 39

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...................................................................... 40

Personal Development ...................................................................................................................... 41

REFERENCES ................................................................................................................... 42

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ................................................................................................... 43


APPENDICES ................................................................................................................... 44

Appendix 1 – WCMT Press Release ................................................................................................... 44 Appendix 2 – Natural Scotland Event, Glasgow Science Centre ....................................................... 45 Appendix 3 – Glasgow Science Centre Newsletter Clipping ............................................................. 47 Appendix 4 – Dissemination ............................................................................................................. 48


SUMMARY

In October – November 2013 I spent seven weeks on a Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowship

(WCTF) to North America. The aim of the trip was to see how North America tackles the challenges

which arise when humans coexist with reintroduced wildlife, with particular focus on controversial

animals such as large predators.

In order to understand the social and economic impacts of wildlife reintroductions on local

communities I worked with conservationists and people local to the habitats of these animals. This

enabled me to gain first-hand knowledge in this controversial field of predator conservation, thus

providing a platform for informed discussion and debate about ‘re-wilding’ the UK.

The project took me to many of the USA’s most famous National Parks (including Yellowstone in

Wyoming, and The Grand Canyon in Arizona), Wolf Park in Indiana and the Great Bear Rainforest in

Canada. I had the opportunity to meet some of the world’s leading wolf biologists at the

International Wolf Symposium in Minnesota, to spend time with Rick McIntyre and Dan Stahler from

the Yellowstone Wolf Project and shadow many of the volunteers who dedicate their time to

observing the wildlife of these parks and educating visitors. In an effort to understand their

concerns, I was also able to spend time with people who are strongly opposed to the wildlife

reintroductions.

I collected a total of 43 interviews through one-to-one discussions or extended questionnaires. As

expected, those who were in favour of wildlife conservation tended to be more comfortable with

being involved with the project.

The information gathered has led me to conclude that while wildlife reintroductions have

demonstrated huge environmental and economical benefits, their social implications and

management are crucial for their success. They can also have political impacts.

For the UK to consider re-wilding using large predators, the key lessons learned from my project are

that sound science, education and transparency are vital in obtaining wide scale support and buy-in

and are therefore essential for the success of any such reintroductions.


INTRODUCTION

About Jo Foo

I am a zoologist and science communicator with over 9 years of experience in science education with

a passion for animal conservation and behaviour. I completed my degree in Zoology and Animal

Ecology at the University of Aberdeen in 2003 and then travelled to USA to work with wolves,

coyotes, foxes and bison at Wolf Park, Indiana. On returning to Scotland I started work at Glasgow

Science Centre, developing and delivering science education programmes for people of all ages in a

variety of formats including live shows, practical workshops and online resources.

I have always loved the outdoors, especially the wilderness. The WCTF project enabled me to re-

discover the wonders of the wild and how we can best work to preserve it for the future.

About the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust (WCMT)

The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust (www.wcmt.org.uk) funds British Citizens to better

themselves, their subject of choice and the wider UK through travel and exploration. These projects

serve to discover and share best practice on a huge range of topics so that we can learn from the

rest of the world and their experiences.

Me with Fiona at Wolf Park

© Monty Sloan, Wolf Photography, 2013


Project Background

Wildlife reintroductions are a topical subject within the UK. While a number of programmes have

been successful, policymakers and the general public still hesitate on the subject of large predator

conservation. Other countries have current experience of successful reintroductions of controversial

species. By working with conservationists and affected communities, I learned about the impacts of

conservation science and have gathered best practice information.

Project Aims

To see how North America tackles the challenges that arise when humans coexist with

reintroduced wildlife.

To meet and work alongside conservationists and people local to the habitats of these animals

and gather first-hand accounts of what they think and feel.

To understand the social and economic impacts of wildlife reintroductions on local communities

and share best practice to benefit areas of the UK impacted by reintroductions.

To increase awareness of conservation efforts in other countries and provide a platform for

informed discussion and debate about “re-wildling” the UK.

To popularise science by engaging UK audiences, highlighting the relevance of scientific and

conservation efforts to their everyday lives.

To combine my background in zoology with my experience in science communication in order to

involve more people in current conservation issues while developing my skills as an educator.

Project Plan

North America is renowned for its work to conserve controversial species including wolves, lynx,

bison and the condor. By travelling to many key conservation areas, I was able to spend time with

and interview the people involved in and affected by these projects. From this I learned about the

impacts reintroductions have had on their lives and what makes them successful.

The National Park education centres offer exceptional resources and opportunities to experience

how conservation programmes coexist with local communities. US National Parks play a vital role in

telling both sides of the conservation story and by visiting them I saw first-hand how people interact

with wild animals in an uncontrolled environment.

Visiting several parks, communities and education centres allowed comparison of projects and

strategies and provided the basis for activities and educational resource development for UK

audiences.


Benefits to the UK

I will support the delivery of the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence by engaging pupils aged 13-16

regarding the impacts of wildlife conservation in Scotland through topical debate and discussion.

I will engage the wider UK public on the relevance of conservation efforts to their everyday lives by:

using Science Centres as a platform to disseminate information

working with conservation organisations to engage their members in debate and discussion

presenting educational talks and facilitating group discussions with the public

While undertaking the research I raised awareness and interest through dedicated social networking

sites:

Facebook

Twitter @meiphotography

my online blog https://www.wildlifebyjo.wordpress.com.

Since completing my travels, I have delivered and arranged talks and workshops for different

audiences and approached a range of organisations with ideas for possible collaborations. I have

recognised the potential that lies with working closely with such groups as the Scouting and Guiding

Associations and I look forward to finding ways to inspire young people to become passionate about

conservation and the future re-wilding of our country.


UK REINTRODUCTIONS AND RE-WILDING

A reintroduction is defined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as the

intentional movement of individuals from a species to an area they once lived1. To-date, the UK has

had many successful reintroductions, the most famous of which have been the Red Kite, White-

Tailed Sea Eagle and the European Beaver. In some instances, accidental reintroductions have taken

place where captive animals have escaped and survived (for example, wild boar).

The British Government is legally required to consider the reintroduction of extirpated species

including large predators like the wolf, lynx and brown bear under the Bern Convention and article

22 of the EU Habitats Directive of 1992. Scotland has been highlighted as a prime location for the

possible reintroduction of large mammalian predators which once used to roam in our wild lands.

Other countries have had success with large predator reintroductions and have demonstrated that

they bring environmental and economic benefits to the neighbouring areas and country as a whole.

Currently Scottish Natural Heritage, the government organisation accountable for wildlife and

habitats in Scotland, are not considering the reintroduction of wolves and bears due to the

controversial nature of this kind of re-wilding but there are studies being carried out relating to the

possibility of the return of the lynx.

The lack of large predators in our countryside has had a massive impact on our wilderness leaving it

barren of our natural Caledonian Forest. This is largely due to the increase in the number of

ungulates which feed on young trees. In an attempt to protect and regenerate our forests, the Deer

Commission for Scotland is already aiming to reduce the red deer density. A study published in 2007

suggested that it would be more economically and ecologically beneficial to have a predator like the

wolf back to help keep deer populations at a more balanced level2.

The UK based organisation Trees for Life have identified an area north of the Great Glen, which runs

across the Scottish Highlands from Inverness to Fort William, believed to be large enough

(approximately 2,238 km2) to support a fully balanced ecosystem with large predators such as

wolves, bear and lynx3. It is a remote area, with few people living there and no current road access.

Other areas which have been proposed for a re-wilding project include the Cairngorm National Park

(in northeast Scotland) and Knoydart (on the west coast of Scotland). Some argue that there is room

for more than one area and there are plenty of other candidate spaces to consider. These areas

would need to be linked by “biological corridors” to be able to support and sustain viable

populations of large predators3.

Paul Lister’s Alladale estate, north of Inverness, is a large fenced reserve where the plan is to bring back extinct native animals such as wolves, elk, wild boar and brown bears. It currently faces possible challenges from:

zoo licensing legislation concerning predator and prey kept together in the same enclosure; and

the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 as fences prohibit ramblers right of access

However, if this project is successful in returning large predators to the UK in this capacity, it could be used as a case study to determine whether there is demand for wildlife tourism and indeed, whether public attitudes and behaviour demonstrate we are ready for such a change. Interestingly, a recent online poll conducted by BBC Countryfile has shown the wolf is the public’s most favoured animal to be returned to the UK4.


TRAVEL ITINERARY

Date

3rd

October 2013 Transit: Glasgow – Wolf Park, Indiana

4th

– 8th

October 2013 Seminars & Interviews: Wolf Park, Indiana

9th

October 2013 Transit: Indiana - Duluth, Minnesota

10th

– 13th

October 2013 Seminars & Symposium: North American Bear Center & International Wolf Center

14th

– 15th

October 2013 Interview Planning: Duluth, Minnesota

16th

October 2013 Transit: Minnesota – Cody, Wyoming

17th

October 2013 Local Interviews: Cody, Wyoming

18th

October 2013 Transit: Wyoming – Gardiner, Montana

19th

– 20th

October 2013 Local Interviews: Gardiner, Montana & Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

21st

October 2013 Yellowstone Institute Tour: Yellowstone National Park, Montana & Wyoming

22nd

-24th

October 2013 Local Interviews: Gardiner, Montana & Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

25th

October 2013 Transit: Wyoming – Vancouver, BC, Canada

26th

– 30th

October 2013 Vancouver Aquarium Vancouver BC, Canada

31st

October 2013 Transit: Vancouver –Denny Island, Great Bear Rainforest, Canada

1st

- 6th

November 2013 Shadowing at Pacific Wild: Denny Island & Bella Bella, Great Bear Rainforest, Canada

7th

November 2013 Transit: Denny Island – Vancouver, BC, Canada

8th

November 2013 Write Up: Vancouver, BC, Canada

9th

November 2013 Transit: Vancouver – San Jose, California

10th

– 11th

November 2013 Local Interviews & Transit Big Sur, California

12th

– 14th

November 2013 Local Interviews & Transit Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

15th

– 18th

November 2013 Write Up Yosemite National Park, California


EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTES

Visiting educational institutes provided an insight to their strategies and programmes when

educating the public about controversial predators. The variety allowed for comparison of the

different approaches and enabled me to gather best practice for the UK.

Wolf Park, Battle Ground, Indiana

Wolf Park in Battle Ground, Indiana is a non-profit

educational organisation founded by Dr Erich

Klinghammer in 1972. Dr Klinghammer believed that by

providing a way for us to research their behaviour, we

would be better able to conserve and protect animals.

He set up Wolf Park as a research and education facility

to inspire people to take an active role in wolf

conservation.

The park is currently home to ten grey wolves, two

coyotes, two red foxes, three grey foxes and a herd of

bison. It is open from May to November each year for

tours six days a week and runs a varied lecture and

seminar series each year.

Pat Goodmann is the park’s Head Animal

Curator and Wolf Ethologist and has over 40

years’ experience studying wolves. She studies

the behaviour of the wolves at the park to help

further our understanding of their wild

counterparts. This directly influences the

education programme and seminars delivered

here.

The Managing Director, Dana Drenzek, has

years of experience with other exotics

including black bears and large raptors. When

she came to work at Wolf Park as an intern

over 12 years ago, the animals and the people

captured her heart and she has dedicated her

life to promoting understanding and conservation of wolves in North America.

"Thanks to Dr Klinghammer we were really able to understand wolf behaviour and not just see them

as these nebulous entities who kill ungulates and not really know how they function or how they

survive. First off, we were able to fill in the gaps of what people didn't understand."

Dana Drenzek,

Managing Director, Wolf Park

Wolf Park, Battle Ground, Indiana

Dana Drenzek with the

yearlings Pat Goodmann with

Wotan


Their newest staff member Brian Gaston, has joined the team after working with Dr L. Dave Mech on

the Minnesota Wolf Project. He provides a direct link between the work happening at the park and

its relevance in the field.

“I can’t think of a more important necessity than conserving wildlife and their habitat. With so much

of the earth converted to human resources, we have very few places where someone can truly enjoy

a wildlife experience.”

Brian Gaston,

Assistant Curator, Wolf Park

Wolf Park relies on volunteers to carry out the day-to-day tasks at the park and help care for the

animals. Their dedication is rewarded with the chance to learn about and experience working with

socialised predators. Long-term volunteers Ryan Talbot and Dan Weiss explained that their reasons

for working at the park were a mix of being with like-minded people who are passionate about the

conservation of this species and the education opportunities that come with working at such an

establishment.

23 interviews were conducted with seminar participants

and visitors, the results of which highlighted that the

experience they had at Wolf Park left them inspired and

enthusiastic about their personal role in wolf conservation.

"It makes it real. If you can see it and even touch it then it

becomes so much more real and meaningful. Wolf Park

does an amazing job of educating people and giving them

an up close encounter. I'll definitely be back."

Patrick,

Seminar Participant at Wolf Park

Seminar participants meet Fiona the yearling


North American Bear Center, Ely, Minnesota

Another species that scientists are interested in

reintroducing to the Scottish Highlands is the brown bear,

also known as the grizzly bear. It became extinct in Britain

centuries ago but remains an important species to consider

returning to our landscape.

In Minnesota, there is a population of approximately

20,000 black bears that generally stay in the forested areas.

Occasionally the bears do find their way into urbanised or

rural areas and conflicts arise when they cause damage.

While black bears differ slightly in behaviour and size from

grizzly bears, there are still misconceptions about these animals that threaten their survival in this

part of the world.

The North American Bear Center in Ely, Minnesota was set up by Dr Lynn Rogers to help educate

people and dispel misconceptions about these incredible animals. Home to a number of black bears

who act as ambassadors for their species, the team at the center also rehabilitate and release

injured and orphaned bears. They actively promote the conservation of bear habitat and fight

against poaching them for various parts of their body.

Their facility provides visitors with the opportunity to

see bears up close, something which is highly unlikely

to happen in the wild due to their natural fear of

humans. It also has an assortment of exhibits which

serve to educate and engage people with the science

behind bear behaviour and the threats to their

survival.

Misconceptions concerning bears are often conflicted

in themselves. Sometimes we think of bears as soft,

mild mannered and cuddly, other times they are

ferocious animals of which we should be terrified. It seems that we are unable to make up our

minds about bears. This makes it all the more important that such myths are dispelled and accurate

reflections of the animals are heard and understood. This is especially important for children and

young people, our future wildlife ambassadors.

It was an amazing experience to watch Dr Rogers with his ambassador bears and see them interact.

While for some, his methods have been controversial, Dr Rogers has taken many ground-breaking

steps to improve our understanding of bears by forming relationships with these animals and

building trust with individuals.

Dr Lynn Rogers with Ambassador Bear Ted

Alaskan Grizzly Bear and interactive exhibits at the North

American Bear Center


International Wolf Center, Ely, Minnesota

Based in the small town of Ely, the International Wolf

Center (IWC) is home to seven ambassador wolves who live

on site as part of their exhibition and education

programme. These animals are there to capture the

imagination of their visitors and spark a connection to the

wolf on a personal and individual basis. The mission of the

center is to “advance the survival of wolf populations by

teaching about wolves, their relationship to wild lands and

the human role in their future”.

Education is their top priority and being based in the heart

of wolf country gives this facility the incredible opportunity

to engage people who have first-hand experiences of the

impacts of living with wild wolves. By working to help people better understand these animals

through the most current scientific research they help them learn to appreciate wolves and find

value in living alongside them. Value in coexisting.

“We want to spark that connection with wolves on a

personal level. This is our best chance at motivating

people to get involved in conservation of this species.”

Jess Edberg,

International Wolf Center

As with similar facilities such as Wolf Park and the North

American Bear Center, the IWC does very well at attracting

people who are already interested in these animals and

likely to be interested in conservation. What each of these

facilities finds difficult is attracting the audience who are

ambivalent or even opposed to wolves and bears. This is a

target audience who are stakeholders in conservation

projects and providing them with the opportunity to learn and ask questions about these animals is

vital.

Wolf Pack statue at the entrance to the

International Wolf Center

Listening to Jess Edberg talk about the mission of

the International Wolf Center and their Education

Programme


Vancouver Aquarium, British Columbia, Canada

Sea otters are often described as cute and hard to resist.

Interestingly, this view of them is not shared by fishermen off

the coast of Vancouver. The Vancouver Aquarium regularly

deals with injured sea otters which have been maimed by

fishermen who do not want them around.

Jennifer Derwojed, Interpretation Officer at the aquarium,

delivers the sea otter programme and has years of experience

speaking to the public about their concerns regarding these

animals.

“People who visit here are generally positive about these

animals. They can’t believe that people would want to harm them but they do. Just recently we

rescued a male who had been shot in the face and left to die. We’ve got work to do but by educating

people we can make a big difference in the lives of these animals and the survival of the species.”

Jennifer Derwojed

Interpretation Specialist, Vancouver Aquarium

Dr Lance Barrett- Lennard, Senior Marine Mammal Scientist at Vancouver Aquarium shared the story

of how sea otters were reintroduced. Hunted to the brink of extinction for their thick pelts these

animals were seen as a nuisance to fishermen and more valuable dead than alive. Their

reintroduction was somewhat unusual as they were released by a man who was given a shipment of

them from Alaska in the late 1960s and early 1970s. There was no public consultation or even

warning. Suddenly, these animals were back and people had to adjust. In the last decade, the

population here has been upgraded from endangered to “special concern”.

“Sea otters are a keystone species that have a huge impact on the ecosystem they live in. They’ve

made positive changes to the environment around here but sadly people have resisted living with

them. Especially fishermen. The fact that they look almost human-like, like little old men, may

actually be a disadvantage. For some people it’s cute and endearing but for others, it looks like a

cheeky little guy has just popped up from the surface, stolen their fish and then disappeared. That

doesn’t go down well.”

Dr Lance Barrett-Lennard

Senior Marine Mammal Scientist, Vancouver Aquarium

It seems the old adage is true; one man’s friend is another’s foe. The aquarium team spend a lot of

their time dealing with the fallout from human-sea otter conflicts and caring for the animals that are

often targeted by fishermen.

Sea Otter at Vancouver Aquarium


Key Findings from Educational Institutes

Establishments like Wolf Park, the International Wolf Center, the North American Bear Center

and Vancouver Aquarium play an essential role in educating the public about controversial

predators and how best to coexist with them. By enabling people to see and in some cases

interact with animals that normally fear humans, they capture their attention and inspire them

to take an active role in their conservation. In the UK we have similar places including the

Highland Wildlife Park and the UK Wolf Conservation Trust, however there is not a place located

near a potential reintroduction site which focuses solely on large predator conservation.

Education institutes with ambassador animals also provide the opportunity for research of

socialised animals to help further our understanding of them.

Due to the controversial and dividing nature of large predators, educational outreach to

surrounding stakeholder communities is essential. Educational facilities provide a place to

inspire people to connect with nature but they must go further than inviting people in, they

must also go out to people who do not want to listen and present the facts in an engaging and

informative manner. Other institutes have success with outreach programmes involving

ambassador animals to reach people who would not visit their facility. This is vital to promote

coexistence and acceptance and to reduce any harm to the animals.

As demonstrated by the sea otter example, hasty reintroductions of any species are likely to

result in their persecution and should be avoided. Teamwork and cooperation between

interested parties and stakeholders is hugely important. Reintroduction projects are likely to

struggle and potentially fail without wide-scale support which will not be gained without

education. This takes time and requires careful planning.


CONFERENCE

The International Wolf Symposium: Wolves and Humans at the Crossroads was a four day

conference involving educators, wolf enthusiasts and conservation experts from around the world

who came together to discuss our role in the future of the survival of this species. Attending the

conference allowed me to learn about the social, economical and ethical implications when

considering the reintroduction and long-term conservation of arguably one of the world’s most

controversial species, the wolf.

International Wolf Symposium, Duluth, Minnesota

The International Wolf Symposium, held in Duluth,

Minnesota was hosted by the International Wolf Center,

October 10 – 13, 2013. Some of the world’s leading

educators and wolf conservationists attended the

symposium to learn about and discuss the “evolving social

and biological realities of wolves and humans at the

crossroads”. Attendees from all over the world shared their

experiences in conservation of this controversial species and

high on the list of discussion was one of the most topical

questions for wolf management to date: the proposal to

remove federal protection from grey wolves in the lower 48

states and de-list them from the Endangered Species Act

(ESA).

It was a privilege to meet and talk to experts including L. David Mech, Dan Stark, Luigi Boitani, Doug

Smith and Ed Bangs. Spending time with these conservation professionals provided an insight into

this field and how to manage the conflicts that we face when we look to conserve large predators.

Hearing the different points of view was fascinating. The opinions ranged from people who were

keen to see wolves being state managed (even if that involved hunting and trapping) to those who

did not believe that wolves had recovered across enough of their historic range to be taken off the

Endangered Species List and that they would not survive being hunted once again. As always where

wolves are concerned, passions were running high. This was an invaluable insight into a

reintroduction project almost 20 years in process.

There were many varied presentations on wolf reintroductions and recovery all over the world

including the hopes and plans for a reintroduction of the grey wolf in Japan and how the wolf has

been recolonising in various parts of Europe. The team in Japan appear to be a couple of steps

ahead of the UK in terms of getting approval for reintroducing wolves to their country. They have

already seen a change in attitude from local farmers who now recognise the potential benefits of

having a large predator to control numbers of pest species such as sitka deer that damage their

crops.

Seminar participant pack


The interviews and discussions conducted with some of the world leaders in wolf conservation

provided a great opportunity to hear their thoughts and recommendations on how the UK could

attempt to bring this large predator back to our wild lands.

As expected, there was overwhelming support for the idea of reintroducing wolves to the UK.

However, the experts were also open and candid about the difficulties that lie ahead if we were to

progress with such a reintroduction. They urged us to get large scale buy-in from the public as well

as the governing bodies, to ensure scientific integrity and above all else, transparency in the project

to gain trust. There will be many stakeholders involved in such a project and they should have fair

weighting and an appropriate level of influence when

decisions are made.

A reintroduction of an animal like the wolf will not be

successful and is more likely to divide people if the process is

rushed and the concerns of the people who will be most

affected by such a change are not acknowledged.

Coexistence means compromise and this is particularly

important when considering large predators. People have to

make allowances for these animals but the other side of the

debate is to find ways to allow people who are most affected

by a reintroduction to feel in control of their environment. In

some cases, the answer in the United States has been to allow

hunting of recovered populations. This has been met with

legal challenges and passionate debate across the country.

“Reintroducing wolves to Scotland is biologically absolutely possible and socially, a very interesting

experiment!”

Luigi Boitani, Large Carnivore Initiative for Europe

A presentation by Lydia Dixon from the University of

Colorado on the role and impact of the media in the

success of reintroductions and the recovery of the wolf in

Wyoming demonstrated the importance of clear, concise,

scientifically accurate communication is in the success of

these projects. Increased coverage of “newsworthy”

stories meant more negative headlines regarding the

species and conflicts with people. This in turn led to

more negative feelings towards wolves from the local

community.

Some presentations focused on the challenges which

arise when dealing with conflicts between hunters,

ranchers and Native American Tribes. These stakeholders

have very different deeply held beliefs and traditions and

Meeting Rolf Peterson & L.David Mech with Brian

Gaston & Ryan Talbot (Photo Credit: Clay Ecklund)

Luigi Boitani at the IUCN Wolf Specialist Group Meeting


these need to be managed carefully. Other presentations discussed the opportunity to have

collaboration between scientists and various stakeholder groups to gather data and trial

preventative methods to improve ways to coexist with predators.

One of the key messages from the symposium was that individuals matter. Scientifically, individuals

are rarely significant on a statistical level. The reintroduction to Yellowstone has demonstrated that

the overall impact of the wolves on the local ranchers is actually lower than predicted. With that

information, it would be easy to assume success and move on. However, when examined at an

individual level, a level where we consider real life implications, there are instances where the

depredation by wolves on livestock happens regularly at one particular ranch. For this family, the

effects are hugely significant and must not be overlooked or dismissed.

The power of the individual extends even further. We can again look at numbers of wolves and

breeding pairs which have established themselves in the Northern Rockies and report these to the

general public. Scientifically these numbers are important. They are the facts and we must be

honest about them. However, these kinds of facts are less likely to engage us at a human level. As

people, we prefer stories and find connections when we are won over by the plight of an animal

which we can relate to. This is a valuable tool in conservation. To motivate people, we must first

make them care. Scientists are steadily moving towards the “Jane Goodall approach” of wildlife

conservation, recognising the importance of each individual’s story. For me, this was both

encouraging and refreshing.


Key Findings from Conference

When considering reintroductions, transparency about potential impacts both wide-scale and on

individuals is paramount. Coexistence means compromise and this needs to happen on both

sides. In North America, the conflicts are often managed through hunting of recovered

populations to enable local ranchers and hunters to be involved with the project. This is met

with controversy and would likely be resisted in the UK. Any reintroduction would need clear,

transparent communication of species management plans from the start.

Working closely with other countries at various stages of wolf reintroductions (for example, the

team in Japan) would be beneficial as their experiences will still be useful in shaping our own re-

wilding.

The role of the media in the success of re-wildling should be carefully considered. Instances in

North America where articles regarding large predators have tended towards stories about

conflicts have led to negative feelings and opinions in the local areas.

There are opportunities to solve problems and conflict by working with opposing stakeholders

and involving them in the process of a reintroduction and re-wilding. This encourages more

people to see value in the species and their recovery.

Individuals matter. Both stories of animals to engage people and when considering impacts on

local people. While often not statistically significant, individuals and their stories must not be

discounted when dealing with such a controversial topic as large predator reintroductions.


NATIONAL PARKS AND RESERVES

National parks and reserves are unique places due to the protection and regulation of wildlife in

these areas. Visiting them enabled me to see the impacts of reintroductions and learn about the

challenges that arise in this setting. This also allowed me to meet and work alongside

conservationists and people local to the area.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is famous for one of the most

controversial reintroductions in the history of North

America. Wolves were added to the endangered species

list in 1973 after years of persecution by humans. After a

series of public consultations and over 20 years of

planning, the first wolf was released by the Yellowstone

Wolf Project team in 1995.

As predicted, the wolves have made massive impacts to

the park’s ecosystem and it is now widely regarded as one

of the most intact and balanced ecosystems in the world

and often referred to as “North America’s Serengeti”. It is

seen as a benefit to the area by providing a unique place

of research for scientists to further understand the

impacts of reintroductions on other species. Studies are

underway to try to understand the impact of the wolves on elk.

The wolves have improved the health of the elk

populations by hunting the weak and old elk, thus

making the herds fitter and stronger. Since their

reintroduction, elk numbers have drastically

decreased in the area but as other factors are at play

(for example, hunting and other predators) this is a

more complex relationship than a simple predator-

prey study. What has been noted is that with the

decline in elk numbers and change in their grazing

behaviour due to predator avoidance, more natural

reforestation is occurring in the park and this is

causing an increase in biodiversity. Wolf kills are also

known to benefit other animals including grizzly and black bears, coyotes, foxes and corvids who

scavenge the remains and are becoming stronger for it.

Wolves are now considered recovered in this area and have expanded their population and range.

They can be seen throughout the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. This has led to them being taken

off the Endangered Species List throughout the northern US Rocky Mountains. One result of their

delisting is controversial annual wolf hunts in each state surrounding Yellowstone.

East Entrance to Yellowstone

National Park

Bull Elk in Yellowstone National Park


Reintroductions in North America have also

demonstrated economic benefits to already popular

tourist attractions. A recent report found that over

$400 million was spent in Yellowstone National Park in

2012 and estimates suggest that wolves have

benefited the area by bringing approximately $35

million in tourist revenue since the reintroduction5.

Reports from the park have noted that wolves now

out-rank other wildlife and geyser viewing as the top

reason for tourists to visit. Park Rangers also report

that “wildlife traffic jams” caused by animals visible

from the road side are more likely and longer lasting

when wolves are the animal that can be seen.

In America, ranchers are compensated for any

depredation losses by wolves, a compensation funded

by Defenders of Wildlife, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the animals and plants native to the

United States. However, compensations funds are only part of the solution and more resources are

being put into preventative measures including livestock guarding dogs and deterrents such as

flagging and electrical fencing. Losses due to predation are only a small part of the problem.

Traditionally, livestock are raised without predators and do not have to invest energy in evasive

behaviours, thus, they tend towards being heavier in weight. Animals which are using energy to

watch for and avoid predators are essentially more “worried”. Farmers report that these animals

tend to weigh less and as they are paid for their produce by weight, they are losing income.

The Yellowstone Wolf Project Team includes Doug Smith,

Dan Stahler and Rick MacIntyre. Dan Stahler is a true

believer in conservation and has been involved in the

project since 1997. He highlighted the various changes

in social values and political manoeuvring required for a

successful reintroduction of a controversial species.

“We (humans) are the biggest threat to the survival of

the wolf and the success of the reintroduction. Wolves

are an easy species biologically speaking; they’re

adaptable and highly successful in their environments.

We need to provide people with strong science and the

ability to think critically about the information they are receiving. This is the only way to get buy in

from society and ensure the future of these animals.”

Dan Stahler

Yellowstone Wolf Project

The Yellowstone Wolf Project staff and volunteers manage wolf viewing areas in Slough Creek and

Lamar Valley and other areas in the park. In the last year, the team estimated that there were a

minimum of 27,500 people observing wolves and almost 18,000 visitor engagements by Wolf Project

Yellowstone Project Wolf Radio Collar Tracking in

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone Project Wolf Watchers in Yellowstone

National Park


staff6. Rick MacIntyre is a cornerstone of this education effort and his dedication has rewarded him

with more than 3,600 consecutive days watching wolves in the park.

One of the factors that appears to be massively important for the success of the reintroduction in

Yellowstone was the input from visitors who have taken on the role as educators in the park i.e.

volunteers who track the wolves and tell their stories to anyone who will listen. Many of these

people have moved here or are trying to and they can be found by the roadside promoting science

and conservation.

Spending a few days with one of these “roadside

conservationists”, Dusty, provided an insight into what

motivates people to spend so much time in the park. Dusty

spoke about his love of the park and the wolves. He has been

coming to the park since his honeymoon in 1970 and visited

almost every year since 1999. His family has grown up and left

home and now it is his dream to move to the park so he can

watch wolves every day. He regularly visits on his own and can

be found with his spotting scope helping people see wolves in

the wild. He has made such an impact on so many tourists. In

just one week he had over 1000 people look through his scope

and an anonymous donor left him money to upgrade to a

better spotting scope.

“I love visiting the park and following the wolves. There have

been times that I’ve been out here on my own and been able to

watch the wolves for hours myself and other times where I’ve shown thousands of people the wolves.

I’ve learned so much from the other people who do this too and I love sharing that with visitors.

Some people are like you and me and will watch the wolves for hours. Others are happy just to catch

a glimpse and be on their way again but it’s the wolves they all really want to see.”

Dusty

Yellowstone Visitor and Wolf Watcher

This social impact of the reintroduction is

important and adds value to people’s lives.

For the people interviewed, watching the

wolves was the main reason that many of

them have moved to the states surrounding

the park or have retired here.

“Humans need food, shelter, water and safety

but people also need to have the opportunity

to lead lives with more than just basic

existence. I believe nature and wildness can

improve the human spirit through spiritual

connections. Nature and wildlife can give

Dusty (A.K.A. “Wolfman Bob”)

The Junction Butte Pack a couple of miles out through Dusty’s

Spotting Scope in Yellowstone


people something that is very rare, the chance for personal reflection, introspection, risk, adventure,

wonderment, and a sense of our roots and history as a species.”

Ed Bangs,

Grey Wolf Recovery Coordinator (Retired)

Also in Yellowstone is the Yellowstone Association Institute who work alongside the National Park

Service to educate park visitors. This knowledgeable team educates and inspires people from all

over the world with their comprehensive programme of events and activities. The wildlife and

landscape are massive draws for tourists and provide great opportunities for learning and discovery.

On the tour “Wildlife in the Northern Range”, my guide

Josh took me to see the woolly white mountain goat and

then on a hike to the den site of 09F, one of the first

female wolves to breed in the park after the

reintroduction. Whilst walking, we examined past kill

sites with carcass remains and tracks of different animals

and made comparisons between them. The Yellowstone

Institute team have a wealth of knowledge and

information to share. They are required to deliver

programmes to visitors from all backgrounds with a

range of abilities.

“I always said I’d only live somewhere I’d vacation in. What’s

the point in living somewhere that isn’t beautiful when there

are so many amazing places in the world? Living beside and

working in Yellowstone means that every day is different.

Every tour is different because the people on it are different

and they want to learn something new each time and react in

a unique way. When I have a day off, I can have a whole new

adventure. I’ve hiked the same mountain ten times since

summer but it’s never been the same experience. Different

wildlife, different weather, different season. Yellowstone is

one of the most intact ecosystems in the world and because of

that, it’s an incredible place.”

Josh Welter

Yellowstone Institute

Working in the park gives Josh first-hand experience of how people behave when they are visiting.

The biggest concerns Josh has when regarding human-predator conflicts were largely caused by

inappropriate human behaviour.

A Coyote Track

Wolf Tracking in Yellowstone: Deer Carcass Remains


“People do crazy things. Like stop in the middle of the road and get out their car to take a photo or

run up to a bear on a carcass to get a better shot. I sometimes can’t believe what I see people do.

I’ve no idea why they think that it’s ok to behave this way here. Our Park Rangers are essential for

keeping people safe from themselves. They spend most of their time asking people to get back in

their cars and give the animals space.”

Josh Welter

Yellowstone Institute

At the turn of the century there were

approximately 50 bison in Yellowstone.

Now, after years of protection thank to

park staff and improved wildlife

regulations, the bison population is

estimated at 4,600 and they are easily

seen throughout Yellowstone National

Park. These massive beasts are a force to

be reckoned with and are currently the

subject of a controversial reintroduction to

Montana.

Bison seasonally migrate into Montana each year and

inhabit areas in the state just outside the park.

However, for this species to be considered fully

recovered, biologists predict that multiple herds of

between 1,000 – 10,000 animals would be required. To

achieve this, efforts have been made to relocate small

herds of bison to Indian reservations in Montana,

namely Fort Peck and Fort Belknap. This has been met

with resistance and a slaughter of some of the bison

which migrate to Montana takes place each year. Most

farmers fear the possibility of a disease called

Brucellosis spreading to their cattle, a disease which

some of the Yellowstone herds carry. So far there have

been no proven cases of disease transfer to domestic

cattle in natural settings but it has happened when the

species meet in captivity. Fear of livestock losses and subsequent financial losses are a big concern

for farmers here, however, the fear is based on a misunderstanding regarding the spread of

Brucellosis. Accurate communication of scientific facts in meaningful ways is hugely important for

the recovery of this species.

Bison Jam in Yellowstone National Park

Bison herd on the run in Yellowstone National Park


The grizzly bear, also known as the brown bear is

one of the species which used to roam the UK

countryside. Extirpated centuries ago, this

impressive animal is also on the list of species that

should be considered for a return to the UK. Many

people are completely unaware that grizzly bears

once existed in our midst. Living with grizzlies in

America is not without its trials and conflicts. In

Yellowstone, visitors are strongly advised to carry

bear spray, a concentrated pepper spray, with

them at all times. Bells, whistles and other items

are also available in all shops to encourage people

to take precautions while in the wilderness. While

hiking, the advice is to make yourself easily heard by the bears. Attacks happen when the bear is

startled or feels threatened. If they hear you coming, their instinct is to move away, often before

you even see them.

Unfortunately, visitors in the park approached

wildlife readily and without thought. Tourists could

be seen merrily running towards large predators to

get a better picture. Some were completely

unaware of their surroundings and apparently

ignorant of the appropriate ways to behave and

respect wildlife. This is what causes conflict. Bears

and other predators actively avoid encounters with

humans and by doing so, they avoid conflict.

Humans tend to attract conflict by behaving

inappropriately.

Through education attitudes towards interactions

with these animals have changed. There are many stories of people cuddling and feeding bears in

the past. An interview with a gentleman who had been visiting Yellowstone every year since the

1950s showed that his thoughts on wildlife management at the park were quite different to the

majority:

“I pulled up the other day beside a bunch of cars and rolled down my window to ask what was

happening. The couple in the car next to me said there was a bear a few hundred meters away. I

asked what they were doing in their cars then and they said the Ranger had told them to stay inside.

Sure enough there was a Park Ranger making sure people stayed in their cars. Fifty years ago we

would have been out feeding the thing but now we’re not allowed to.”

Jim,

Yellowstone Visitor

Feeding the bears or any animals in the park is strictly forbidden as this has been proven to cause

conflict. Animals which are fed are not only less healthy due to eating “human food”, which is full of

“Scar Face” the legendary grizzly bear

in Yellowstone National Park

Conflict is often caused by humans. A visitor is far too close

to Scar Face as he walks across the road and should instead

be in her car with the window up.


salts and fats they are not used to, they also become

habituated to people and then see people as a food

source. This can result in the bears becoming

frustrated when people do not feed them. The

solution? “Pack it in. Pack it out.” Do not leave a

trace. This is the least we can do and the park

provides us with every opportunity to be responsible

during our visit. Small changes like bear-proof bins

go a long way to manage and resolve conflict

between humans and predators.

Bear Bins in Yellowstone National Park and surrounding areas


Big Sur, California

Big Sur is famous for the sun, surf and sea but for wildlife

enthusiasts, there are also rich displays of animals to look out

for from California sea lions to elephant seals, from bald eagles

to pelicans. It is known for the reintroduction of bald eagles

and California condors led by Ventana Wildlife Society (VWS).

The bald eagle project has now come to an end as the birds are

self-sustaining and considered recovered in this area, however

the condor project continues.

California condors were on the brink of extinction due to a mix

of persecution by humans and habitat loss and disruption. In

the late 1980s, the total population of California condors were

all in captivity with the last wild condor captured in 1987. This meant that 27 animals became part

of a captive breeding programme in a desperate attempt to save them. The breeding programmes

led by the San Diego and Los Angeles zoos were deemed a success. Birds were released in California

as early as 1992 and in the Big Sur area from 1997.

During my visit we found condor number 70 sitting on the

edge of the cliff. Condors are scavengers that feed on

carcasses. In California, their diet often consists of sea

lions which are washed up on the coast so it would be fair

to assume that number 70 was waiting for something to

eat.

While condors are rarely targeted by people, the indirect

impacts of pesticide and ammunition choices are a cause

for concern. VWS have been working to uncover links

between the pesticide chemical DDT and its impacts on

condors. DDT is washed into the oceans and contaminates

marine mammals such as sea lions. Studies show that when they feed on the carcass, the chemical

is then passed on to the condors, resulting in thinner eggshells and subsequently, low egg-survival

rates7. This has a huge impact on their ability to recover in this area. DDT is no longer used and

scientists believe that the condor may be one of the last animals to feel the impact of it.

One of the bigger trials for the recovery of these birds is

lead based ammunition which is used by hunters in the

surrounding area. The birds ingest the lead via the

carcasses they scavenge and become severely poisoned

requiring rescue and rehabilitation. VWS are working with

ranchers and hunters to change practices and change

ammunition. Steps are being made to improve the chance

of the condor recovery through education about how best

to coexist.

Condor Number 70 watches for Sea Lions,

Big Sur Coast, California

Sunset at Big Sur Coast, California

Condor Number 70, Big Sur Coast, California


Grand Canyon, Arizona

Californian Condors were first released near the Grand

Canyon in 1996 from the same breeding programmes as

those in Big Sur. The population here has struggled and

requires further releases every year to supplement their

numbers. It is not considered self-sustaining and is a long

way from being recovered. Condors do not breed until

about 6 years old and can have low egg laying success.

This makes them a difficult species to recover and they

require a significant amount of monitoring.

The rangers in the park spend time doing outreach with the

visitors. Alongside these viewings the rangers educate

people about the plight of the condor. As with the birds in Big Sur, lead poisoning causes the deaths

of birds every year and requires many hours of project staff

time to monitor and check the birds to ensure their safety.

Once again, even without direct hunting or persecution,

human behaviour is having a massive impact on the survival

of a species, pushing them to the brink of extinction.

Ammunition examples, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Condor Chick in Cave approx. 2 miles out, Grand Canyon National Park


Yosemite National Park, California

The last stop in my fellowship travels was a short break in

Yosemite National Park. With no interviews scheduled for

this part of my journey, this was the opportunity to spend

time in the wild and with nature.

Black bears are found throughout this area and there were

many signs warning of bears and how to store food safely

to prevent attracting them. They are exceptionally strong

and have been known to destroy cars and campervans just

in the search for an empty food wrapper. The bears have

become so savvy in their “human food hunting” abilities

that mother bears have been observed showing their young how to climb out on to the thinner

branches of trees to reach food sacks hung by backcountry campers.

Instead of having negative attitudes towards these animals,

people here were relaxed about the bears as long as the

appropriate food bins and bear-proof storage containers were

used. There was not a bear spray canister to be seen and

people were hiking with their pets without any apparent

concerns.

Bears were nowhere to be seen during this visit to the park.

This was no surprise as black bears are notoriously more skittish

than grizzly bears and will avoid people where possible. It goes

to show that if handled properly, people and large predators

can coexist and barely cross paths.

Hiking in Yosemite National Park

Campfire in Yosemite National Park


Key Findings from National Parks and Reserves

Since the wolf reintroduction there is increased biodiversity, improved elk health and benefits

for other predatory or scavenging species in Yellowstone National Park. Possible reductions of

elk herd numbers and changes in behaviour leading to increased forestation have also been

linked to the reintroduction.

The reintroductions have led to increased tourism in the immediate and surrounding areas. It is

reasonable to predict that reintroducing large predators to the UK would have a positive impact

on our economy through wildlife tourism.

Direct conflict between people and predators in North America is largely caused by

inappropriate human behaviour. If the UK were to reintroduce large predators like the bear,

wolf and lynx, maximum effort in education regarding appropriate behaviours around these

animals would be essential. As a society with no experience of coexisting with predators, we

would have much to learn and big changes to make. However, people successfully live alongside

predators in many regions of the world and this is not out-with our capabilities.

In America, ranchers are compensated for any depredation losses by wolves and this is a factor

for consideration for the UK. Our current farming practices allow sheep to roam unsupervised.

It would therefore be reasonable to expect the damage and loss to farmers to be higher than

that of those in ranches neighbouring Yellowstone. In Scotland, sheep farming is already heavily

subsidised by the government and the European Union so there may well be resistance to using

tax-payers money to compensate for depredation losses.

Recommendations from those involved with the Yellowstone Wolf Project suggest that finding a

way to have a reintroduction without a compensation plan would allow the economic benefits

to be seen more readily. This also removes the idea that living with wildlife is something we

need to be compensated for. Preventative methods like livestock guarding dogs, flagging and

other deterrents would potentially be more beneficial as opposed to compensation schemes.

Reintroductions attract scientific attention and further our long-term understanding of

ecosystems and trophic cascades. This is especially true in protected reserves and national

parks. It would be expected that a reintroduction in the UK would attract significant attention

from scientists worldwide and provide future research opportunities.

National parks and reserves with reintroduction programmes provide opportunities for hands-on

outdoor education in the field, thus connecting people with nature and the wild.

Many people have demonstrated a change in their lifestyle by moving to be closer to wildlife and

taking an active role in conservation as seen in the “roadside conservationists”. Reconnecting

people with nature is something we could hope for in the UK if we were to go ahead with re-

wilding projects.


LOCAL COMMUNITIES

Spending time in areas local to reintroductions and places where people live alongside large

predators gave me time to learn about the social and economic impacts of wildlife reintroductions.

Cody, Wyoming

Heavy snowfall and the US Government shutdown crisis

meant that Cody was unusually quiet. The impact of the

shutdown was immediately obvious. Yellowstone provides

the people of Cody with a steady flow of visitors and the

locals were suffering as tourists had changed their holiday

destinations to avoid the disappointment of standing at the

closed park gates. While the government employees were

eventually paid for their time during the shutdown, the very

real situation that the locals were facing was an extremely

quiet season and therefore a lower income. Tourism to

Yellowstone National Park is essential for the economy of

places such as Cody and this same issue was being mirrored

across the United States.

The people here are proud of living in the “Wild West” and

their traditional ranching methods. My original plan was to

approach people to ask them to be part of the project from

the outset. However, tensions were high with the shutdown

which meant it was easier to get more honest and less

defensive opinions when a softer, more casual interview style

was used. This enabled me to ask them about their thoughts

on the reintroduction and what it has meant for them

personally.

Five people in Cody shared their thoughts on the wolf

reintroduction and while this is an exceptionally small sample

size, the statements gathered mirror those made in larger

studies. A couple recognised the draw that the wolves have for tourists and that this does have a

beneficial effect on their lives. However, they all felt that they were being forced by the government

to live with a species which they did not want around and that their opinions were not heeded.

Despite the reintroduction having one of the largest public consultation periods in US conservation

history (over 160,000 comments8), in Cody there is still a vocal group who have the impression that

everything happened without the locals being asked about their thoughts and feelings on the

subject.

Interestingly, some also believe that the wolves released in the park are “not our own” and “not

from here”.

Big Horn Sheep in Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming


“These animals are not the same. They didn’t release American wolves. They brought some in from

somewhere else and they didn’t ask us if we even wanted them here.”

Long-term local resident, Cody, Wyoming

The reintroduction involved the capture and release of grey wolves (Canis lupus) from Canada and

north-western Montana but the species is the same. Genetic testing has proven no difference from

the species that once used to run free in Yellowstone. A failure in communication of scientific fact is

apparent. In some cases, because the history of the wolf in this area is riddled with tales of baby-

eating beasts, some denial of scientific fact may also have an impact.

There is a further concern for some, that relocating any animal is immoral and that we should not be

tampering with nature in this way. In the past, mistakes have been made through hasty relocations

of species and in some cases this has resulted in further damage to the surrounding ecosystem.

Some people also question whether we should spend resources on reintroductions instead of

focusing our efforts on protecting species where they currently live.


Gardiner, Montana

Montana was a place that was vital to this project.

Just step out of Yellowstone National Park at the

North Entrance into Gardiner, and there is a very

different atmosphere. This area is proud of its hunting

heritage and this is the reason wolves were de-listed

here in 2011.

After speaking to conservationists who now live in the

area, a change of interview technique was also

required for this part of the project. Their accounts of

their experience of threats, vandalism and verbal

abuse for being openly “pro-wolf” or “wolf lovers”

demonstrate how people in this state are strongly against the reintroduction.

14 people were interviewed in Gardiner and like those in Cody, the vast majority of the people who

took part here feel unhappy about being forced to do something by the government. In many ways,

the problem here is not the wolf itself, but the political and social implications of people feeling as

though they have lost control over their surroundings. They feel imposed on and their livelihoods

experimented with.

As mentioned previously, hunting is more than just a hobby or a sport. It is a way of life, a tradition

and thought of as a “right”. In a particularly interesting and somewhat troubling conversation with a

gentleman on his thoughts on wolves, he spoke about how he had seen them with the elk near his

home and that the wolves had not seemed to trouble the elk. However, when it came to hunting

season he was going to hunt them. When asked why, he simply said that he would kill anything that

hunts elk because the elk were his to hunt.

“They [the wolves] won’t be there for long. I’ll get them as soon as hunting season starts. The elk

are mine to hunt.”

Local Resident,

Gardiner, Montana

This is hugely concerning for the future of the reintroduction project in Montana. While Yellowstone

has been deemed successful as the wolves are meeting the recovery criteria, they have been de-

listed in this area, partly due to political jostling. This means hunting seasons will take place each

year with increasing numbers of hunters buying tags to rid themselves of this pest. Many

conservationists fear that the benefits from the wolf restoration will soon be undone as wolves are

once again hunted to a level that the population cannot sustain. Efforts are in place to monitor this

by State Officials but so far the hunt continues.

“For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People”

North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park in

Gardiner, Montana


The National Wolf Coalition (NWC) organised a “rally for

wolves” to take place in Gardiner. The NWC are a group of

enthusiasts and volunteers who dedicate their time to

watching the packs in Yellowstone. They educate people

around the world about these animals and the wolf in

general. The rally was a celebration of the animals from the

park and an opportunity for people to remember the ones

who have been lost because of hunting. This was very much

the other side of the story. People at the rally were

extremely passionate about conservation and the

protection of this species. Many of them have formed

personal connections with these animals after spending

much of their lives following them and telling their stories.

Some of the people here have left their homes in other

states to relocate and be closer to the wolves of the park. This was clearly shown in the emotional

remembrance of the animals that have been killed since the reintroduction.

Kids4Wolves is an online organisation founded and run by the

enthusiastic and dedicated Story Warren. At fourteen years old,

Story has made massive contributions to raising awareness about

the plight of wolves in Yellowstone and across America. It started

as an Instagram account in late 2012 and has since evolved to a

blog, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube presence with

approximately 9,000 followers. The organisation’s motto is

“educate yourself, educate others, get involved”.

Story has been an advocate for wolves since she fell in love with

them after visiting the park as a small child.

“I first saw a wolf in the wild in Yellowstone National Park when I

was six, and something about that moment sparked my interest.

I've always loved the outdoors and animals, but something about

wild wolves has added magic to the wilderness. Knowing that the

Yellowstone ecosystem and ecosystems around it are intact and healthy is wonderful. Something

about big, intelligent, social, wild predators has captured my imagination and the imaginations of

many.

With Kids4Wolves not only do I hope to drive out the man-eating Big Bad Wolf of Little Red Riding

Hood out of people's minds and popular culture, but I also hope to let people know the side of wolves

that causes controversy. They can potentially cause problems for people and we need to understand

that and help them with solutions - and solutions there are.”

Story Warren,

Founder of Kids4Wolves

Rally for Wolves Gardiner, Montana

Kids4Wolves founder, Story Warren


Pacific Wild, The Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia, Canada

The Great Bear Rainforest is a magical place which the team at

Pacific Wild are working hard to protect from trophy hunting

and pipeline traffic. There are many species which need

protecting, including the elusive spirit bear (black bears which

have white coats), a population of genetically distinct wolves

who have adapted to fish in the sea, bald eagles, salmon, orcas,

sea otters and other marine mammals. It is hard to imagine

why anyone would come here with any intention other than

wildlife watching.

Founded by Ian and Karen McAllister in 1990, the Pacific Wild

team conduct research and raise awareness about the issues

that face the Great Bear Rainforest. They are small in number but their impact is huge. The

research on the ecosystem here is vital for its survival and protection from those who want to

exploit its resources.

They also engage and connect people with this

remote place through a variety of means such as

the highly popular live stream from their remote

cameras so people all over the world can watch the

animals in their natural habitat. The cameras are

used by schools as part of education programmes,

to conduct research and to inspire people to care.

Their current education programme involves

presentations at local schools and classes in Vancouver.

The pupils at the local schools also benefit from field

trips to the research lab and the remote camera

locations.

The most valuable part of the experience there was

observing how the people of these remote

communities in the Great Bear Rainforest live alongside

their wildlife.

Denny Island, where Pacific Wild is based, is home to a range of animals including a wolf pack

(estimated to have about 7 members), grizzly and black bears. After spending time in Yellowstone

where bear safety is at the fore and people carry bear spray wherever they go, it was surprising to

be on a hike with Karen and the McAllister children without a bear deterrent in sight. Such is the

relaxed nature of a community who have grown up with and know how to behave with wildlife in

their back gardens. Karen spoke about how often she had seen large predators in this area and

explained that it was fairly common to see wolves but far less common to catch sight of a bear.

Rob with the Remote Camera at Gullchucks, Denny Island

Bella Bella Community School, Bella Bella

View from Pacific Wild on Denny Island


As she said it, she spotted and pointed out some fresh wolf scat

on the track we were following. A clear sign that we were in

wolf country and that they were not far away. The dog was still

running off lead alongside the children who were off exploring

and Karen did not flinch. She explained that conflicts on the

island are rare and so everyone just carries on as normal. The

biggest issue for the people on Denny Island is how they deal

with their rubbish and food waste. Sometimes this causes

conflict as animals come closer to where the people are but even

still, this is small in comparison to issues they face in other parts

of the world.

This refreshing approach to living alongside these predators occurred time and time again when

working with the team. Whether it was during the visit to Bella Bella to check the batteries for the

hydrophones or going out to repair the microphone and install

a new infra-red (IR) light by the remote camera at the

Gullchucks site, the attitude was the same. If we minded our

own business, the animals would afford us the same courtesy.

“The only time I’ve felt unsure while out here was a day we

brought Clay [the dog] with us and the wolves were near. They

weren’t impressed and started howling all around us but we

couldn’t see any and they didn’t approach us. They were just

letting us know they were there and we got Clay back in the

boat and we left. Simple.”

Rob MacKenzie,

Pacific Wild

The Great Bear Rainforest is a beautiful part of the

world and it deserves our attention and

conservation efforts. The unique wildlife and

landscape make up part of the story but observing

the people and how they coexist with animals here

is very important, seeing first-hand how

communities live alongside large predators and

find value in doing so.

Diana Chan, Hydrophone Maintenance

Bella Bella

Fresh Wolf Scat on Denny Island

Ian McAllister, Pacific Wild Founder, Howling for Wolves


Key Findings from Local Communities

Despite best efforts to allow people to be involved and voice their opinions, there is still a

breakdown in North America between the local people, government and conservationists.

People feel imposed upon and the animal involved is less important than the fight to have

control over their own environment. We would need to work hard to prevent this occurring in

the UK.

National parks with reintroduced species such as wolves and condors attract tourism which

brings economic benefits to surrounding communities.

Clear, meaningful science communication is vital to prevent misconceptions and concerns.

There are ethical questions to be answered regarding the translocation of animals to the UK and

gaining their acceptance in our countryside. As an island, we would most likely look to our

European neighbours to capture animals for release here. Populations of wolves are steadily

recovering there but many believe we need to put more effort into ensuring their long-term

survival in Europe before considering moving animals to repopulate a country where we no

longer have the knowledge or experience of how to co-exist with predators.

Young people and volunteer groups such as Kids4Wolves and the National Wolf Coalition have

been formed and inspired by reintroductions and this has resulted in their active participation in

species conservation.

In North America, the United States in particular, there is a strong hunting tradition which

increases the conflict between stakeholders and conservationists. The problem of the “right to

hunt” is less likely to be an issue we would face with a UK reintroduction. Hunting is not a

hugely popular activity here, at least not on the same scale. For the first few decades following a

reintroduction, to enable a full regeneration and rebalancing of the ecosystem, deer stalking

would need to take place alongside the wolves to help reduce the number of deer in our

wilderness.

Tales have been passed down from generation to generation of reasons to fear and hate large

predators. For some people, hating predators such as wolves is something they have been

taught to do all their lives without having experienced an encounter with this animal

themselves. This makes the anti-predator feeling all the more prevalent and embedded within

the culture of the people who live there. It is possibly an advantage that we have not lived with

animals like wolves or bears for centuries in the UK and that this disconnect through generations

may work in our favour. The refreshing attitude of some people who have lived alongside

predators for the majority of their lives shows there is potential for the future. This is something

the UK and other places in the world can certainly aspire to.


KEY FINDINGS

Social Implications

For a reintroduction to be successful, there is a requirement for significant behavioural change of

people, specifically the people who live in the immediate area or are most likely to visit this area.

Such changes include everything from storing waste and rubbish more securely, using different

ammunition, to changing farming and ranching practices. Instances where people have refused to

change their behaviour have most often resulted in failed reintroductions and re-wilding attempts.

Past history with large predators has resulted in misconceptions and misunderstandings.

Educational institutes and programmes play an essential role in changing perceptions thus

promoting a greater understanding and greater tolerance of these animals. They would also be vital

in educating the public about how to safely coexist with large predators, something which we have

had little experience of for centuries.

There are a number of social benefits to re-wilding and reintroductions including:

an improved connection with nature and the wild

a more holistic approach to our interactions with our planet

increased tourism for local communities leading to more jobs for remote areas

the initiation of flow towards these remote areas instead of people leaving in search of work.

Economical Implications

Evidence in North America suggests that reintroductions bring economic benefits to the local areas

through wildlife tourism and an increase in employment opportunities. In 2012, over $400 million

was spent in Yellowstone National Park5 alongside reports of increased visitor engagement at key

wildlife sites6. This suggests that the UK could expect similar increased financial and employment

benefits.

Scotland’s National Parks already bring in hundreds of millions of pounds each year through

domestic visitors alone. In 2012, £276 million was spent on wildlife watching trips in Scotland with a

net economic impact of £65 million9. Currently, wildlife tourism contributes over 2700 full-time

equivalent jobs to Scotland with the biggest impact felt in the Highlands and Islands region where

almost 50% of the net economic impact occurs10.


Ecological Implications

The long-term benefits of large predator reintroductions have been well-documented in North

America. Keystone species like the wolf and sea otter have massive impacts on the environment in

National Parks and restore balance to the surrounding ecosystem allowing other species to thrive

and more natural landscapes to reform. This is something we could reasonably expect to happen in

the UK in the long-term. A report published in 2007 concluded that reintroduction of large

predators, specifically wolves, to the Scottish Highlands would have a significant impact by naturally

controlling numbers of red deer, thus encouraging healthier herds and allowing regeneration of

ancient Caledonian Forests2.

Many people are concerned that at present there is no appropriate habitat for the wolf to survive in

but being one of the most adaptable mammals on the planet, the wolf could easily survive without

forests given that it has a large prey base to live from. As in Yellowstone and other regions where

the wolf has returned, the ecological effects of this animal are hugely beneficial and evidenced by

trophic cascades where everything from fish to trees feel the impact of a balanced ecosystem.

It is important to remember however, that agriculture is not designed to have nature running wild.

For us to have a wilder countryside, we would have to compromise with changes to our farming and

agricultural practices across the highlands.

Ethical Implications

One of the most common reasons for a reintroduction of extirpated species is to right what we once

did wrong, to correct the mistakes of the past because it is our ethical duty to do so. As Ed Bangs

says “Everyone loves a convert who has seen the light.” While many people may align their morals

with this reasoning, there is much more to a reintroduction of large predators than simply a question

of right and wrong.

Reintroductions carry the risk of doing damage to individuals on a large scale. It is important to

consider these carefully from all angles. There is a real danger of urban-ideals being forced upon

people living in rural areas and this can be looked at as ethically immoral behaviour towards our own

species.

Beyond this, there are many other ethical implications to consider when looking at a potential

reintroduction, particularly to an island such as the UK. These extend from:

the capture and release of individual animals to populate new areas

the required management, possibly lethal, of them thereafter

the potential reduction of genetic viability of a population

There are people on both sides of the re-wilding story. In fact, it should be considered a sliding scale

of opinions and for any project to have a chance of success, we should engage at all levels and be

open about our aims and the potential costs along the way.


CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

As other reintroductions have demonstrated, there is the potential for many ecological and

economical benefits from reintroducing large predators and other native extirpated species to the

UK. However, social considerations and cultural changes are essential for any reintroduction and re-

wilding to be a success. These cultural changes require education at all levels but most importantly

in the grassroots communities of those who would be most significantly impacted. It would require

a change in our attitude towards resources in the UK, moving towards protecting the environment

and finding ways to work together to rebuild the nature and wildness.

The lessons I learned from my Travelling Fellowship can be summarised in the following key points:

Scientific Integrity is imperative. The work carried out must have support from both local and

international universities to promote scientific research and a greater understanding of the

impacts on the environment. Future management decisions must be based on facts first and

foremost. However, it is important to consider the social aspects of re-wildings and remember

that impacts on individuals are also significant to the success of such a project.

Transparency and clear communications are vital for wide-scale buy-in and support for a re-

wilding project. Early public consultation is essential and all potential impacts should be

disclosed including:

those on livestock and domestic pets

any dangers to humans

the changes required of us to live in and visit this area

the long-term economical and ecological impacts

the plans and strategies for management of any large predator including any lethal

management

Stories about conservation are useful tools to engage people. The facts and figures are hugely

important for determining success but the best way to engage people is through accounts of

personal experience. As humans, we are storytellers and need this level of involvement to

capture our imaginations and our hearts.

Teamwork and cooperation between interested parties and stakeholders is hugely important.

Reintroduction projects are likely to struggle and potentially fail without wide-scale support.

Education is vital at early stages of any re-wilding and reintroduction project. Educational

facilities with ambassador animals are excellent ways to dispel myths and share realities.

Outreach programmes can help explain the changes in behaviour required to make a real

difference (from being more responsible with our rubbish disposal to changing how we manage

livestock).

Many are convinced that wolves are the flagship species for the UK to demonstrate our commitment

to reintroductions and more importantly, conservation. The wolf certainly draws public attention,

evoking a reaction in the majority. It is therefore a prime candidate for setting a precedent, but

having lived for such a long time without a large predator in our midst, perhaps a less controversial


animal like the Eurasian Lynx may be a more suitable candidate for our first large mammalian

predator reintroduction.

We are in a unique position given that for centuries we have not lived with large predators in our

countryside. Generations of people in the UK have no experience, positive or negative, of living with

these animals. We could look at this as a clean slate with the opportunity to teach our young people

about communities that successfully co-exist with large predators. This could promote tolerance

and acceptance enabling them to make educated decisions about any future re-wilding of the UK

and encourage young ambassadors for nature.

Personal Development

My fellowship has been an incredible experience and has already made a massive impact on me

both personally and professionally. I have established worldwide contacts with people who are

working to find ways to collaborate for the greater good of conservation, whether it be species

specific or on a larger, more generalised scale. Travelling in new and changing environments gave

me the space and time to reprioritise and rediscover my strengths and ability to stand on my own

two feet and take on the challenge of travel and research on my own.

Since returning to the UK I am more confident in my communications on conservation. My

enthusiasm and passion for it have grown resulting in a deeper dedication and determination to find

ways to inspire others to become actively involved in the protection of the wild. I have chosen to

volunteer in conservation education for the next few months while I pursue further opportunities in

this field.

I am still processing the huge amount of information gathered, a large amount of which I have

already distilled into age specific workshops and presentations developed to inspire and engage

people of all ages with conservation. I continue to search for new opportunities to share this wealth

of information with different people and I will write about these in my blog as I progress.


REFERENCES

1. IUCN (1998 – first version from 1987) Guidelines for Re-introductions. IUCN, Gland

2. Wolf reintroduction to Scotland: public attitudes and consequences for red deer management.

Erlend B Nilsen, E J Milner-Gulland, Lee Schofield, Atle Mysterud, Nils Chr. Stenseth, Tim Coulson.

Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 2007

3. Alan W. Featherstone, The Wild Heart of the Highlands, Ecos, 18(2)

4. http://www.countryfile.com/poll/which-animal-would-you-most-see-return-british-countryside

5. 2012 National Park Visitor Spending Effects Economic Contributions to Local Communities,

States, and the Nation Natural Resource Report NPS/NRSS/EQD/NRR—2014/765

6. 2012 YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK Natural & Cultural Resources WOLF PROJECT Annual

Report

7. L. Joseph Burnett, Kelly J. Sorenson, Joseph Brandt, Estelle A. Sandhaus, Deborah Ciani, Michael

Clark,Chandra David, Jenny Theule, Susie Kasielke, Robert W. Risebrough (2013) Eggshell

Thinning and Depressed Hatching Success of California Condors Reintroduced to Central

California - Adelgazamiento de la Cáscara del Huevo y Disminución del Éxito de Eclosión de

Individuos de Gymnogyps californianus Reintroducidos en el Centro de California

The Condor, Vol. 115, No. 3 pp. 477-491

8. http://www.nps.gov/yell/naturescience/wolf-restoration-in-yellowstone.htm

9. The Economic Impact of Wildlife Tourism in Scotland, International Centre for Tourism and

Hospitality Research, Bournemouth University Scottish Government Social Research 2010

10. Scottish National Parks Sector Review – 2012, Insight Department, VisitScotland, Version 2

(Updated August 2013)

http://www.countryfile.com/poll/which-animal-would-you-most-see-return-british-countryside

http://www.jstor.org/action/doBasicSearch?Search=Search&wc=on&fc=off&globalSearch=&sbbBox=&sbjBox=&sbpBox=&Query=au:%22L.+Joseph+Burnett%22&si=1

http://www.jstor.org/action/doBasicSearch?Search=Search&wc=on&fc=off&globalSearch=&sbbBox=&sbjBox=&sbpBox=&Query=au:%22Kelly+J.+Sorenson%22&si=1

http://www.jstor.org/action/doBasicSearch?Search=Search&wc=on&fc=off&globalSearch=&sbbBox=&sbjBox=&sbpBox=&Query=au:%22Joseph+Brandt%22&si=1

http://www.jstor.org/action/doBasicSearch?Search=Search&wc=on&fc=off&globalSearch=&sbbBox=&sbjBox=&sbpBox=&Query=au:%22Estelle+A.+Sandhaus%22&si=1

http://www.jstor.org/action/doBasicSearch?Search=Search&wc=on&fc=off&globalSearch=&sbbBox=&sbjBox=&sbpBox=&Query=au:%22Deborah+Ciani%22&si=1

http://www.jstor.org/action/doBasicSearch?Search=Search&wc=on&fc=off&globalSearch=&sbbBox=&sbjBox=&sbpBox=&Query=au:%22Michael+Clark%22&si=1

http://www.jstor.org/action/doBasicSearch?Search=Search&wc=on&fc=off&globalSearch=&sbbBox=&sbjBox=&sbpBox=&Query=au:%22Michael+Clark%22&si=1

http://www.jstor.org/action/doBasicSearch?Search=Search&wc=on&fc=off&globalSearch=&sbbBox=&sbjBox=&sbpBox=&Query=au:%22Chandra+David%22&si=1

http://www.jstor.org/action/doBasicSearch?Search=Search&wc=on&fc=off&globalSearch=&sbbBox=&sbjBox=&sbpBox=&Query=au:%22Jenny+Theule%22&si=1

http://www.jstor.org/action/doBasicSearch?Search=Search&wc=on&fc=off&globalSearch=&sbbBox=&sbjBox=&sbpBox=&Query=au:%22Susie+Kasielke%22&si=1

http://www.jstor.org/action/doBasicSearch?Search=Search&wc=on&fc=off&globalSearch=&sbbBox=&sbjBox=&sbpBox=&Query=au:%22Robert+W.+Risebrough%22&si=1

http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1525/cond.2013.110150?Search=yes&resultItemClick=true&searchText=Eggshell&searchText=thinning&searchText=condor&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3DEggshell%2Bthinning%2Bcondor%26amp%3BSearch%3DSearch%26amp%3Bwc%3Don%26amp%3Bfc%3Doff%26amp%3BglobalSearch%3D%26amp%3BsbbBox%3D%26amp%3BsbjBox%3D%26amp%3BsbpBox%3D




http://www.nps.gov/yell/naturescience/wolf-restoration-in-yellowstone.htm


ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust for

providing me with such an amazing opportunity to travel to some

incredible places and meet some of the world leaders in

conservation and wildlife reintroductions. Their support and

encouragement throughout this unforgettable experience is greatly

appreciated.

I would also like to thank the many people I met during my travels, specifically those who took part

in interviews, discussions and allowed me to shadow their work. Conservation is a busy occupation

with many pressing deadlines and current complications to resolve so I greatly appreciate the time

many people dedicated to working with me. In particular, I would like to thank the following,

without whom, this report would not have been possible:

Wolf Park – Pat Goodmann, Dana Drenzek, Brian Gaston, Dan Weiss, Ryan Talbot, Denise Emmons Pearson, Laura

Frank-Hale, Monty Sloan, Alicia Panisiak, Patrick Romano and the Hendricks, Petit and Adams families.

Holly Jaycox

Ed Bangs

International Wolf Center – Jess Edberg

Minnesota Department for Natural Resources – Dan Stark

Yellowstone Project – Dan Stahler, Rick MacIntyre & Doug Smith

Yellowstone Association – Debbie Fellows & Josh Welter

Yellowstone National Park Visitors – Cindy Hamlin, Dusty, Tim Lightfoot

Nez Perce Tribe & James Yuksavitch

National Wolf Coalition – Kat Brekken

Wyoming Fish & Game – Ken Mills

Kids 4 Wolves – Story Warren

The contributors in Cody and Gardiner who would prefer to remain anonymous

Vancouver Aquarium – Jennifer Derwojed & LanceBarrett-Lennard

Pacific Wild – Karen McAllister, Ian McAllister, Diana Chan, Rob MacKenzie & Sarah Stoner

The Bella Bella & Denny Island Communities

Grand Canyon Park Ranger – Cory Mosby

Ventana Wildlife Society – Joe Burnett

Wolf Haven – Cindy Irwin

Japan Wolf Association – Mariko Saskia

Large Carnivore Initiative for Europe – Luigi Boitani

The team at Glasgow Science Centre who granted me leave and covered my projects while I was away.

And the friends and family who supported me throughout my travels and in particular, those who read the early

drafts of this report: Ewan Latimer, Eric Foo, Pearl Foo, Claire Gemson, Morna Fisken, Michelle Low, Craig Francis,

Florence Edmund and Claire Smith – I couldn’t have done this without them.


APPENDICES

Appendix 1 – WCMT Press Release


Appendix 2 – Natural Scotland Event, Glasgow Science Centre

My first dissemination activity was in collaboration with Glasgow Science Centre and the Scottish

Executive funded Natural Scotland Event on 30th November 2013. With the help of Morna Fisken, a

zoologist and professional Science Communicator, we spoke to approximately 70 people through

interactive workshop activities to discuss the animals which used to roam our countryside and what

the impacts would be if we brought them back.

Jo Foo, GSCer and awardee of Winston Churchill Travel Fellowship

Scotland used to be the home of many large animals that we don’t see

today. Come along and learn about amazing species like the brown

bear, moose and of course, the “big bad wolf” and find out why some

scientists think they should be back in our countryside.

Activities included trying to identify past and present wolf habitat

across the world; sorting soft toys into those who currently live in the

UK and those who either never have or have become extinct; sharing

the first word you think of when you hear the word “wolf”; noting

opinions on possible reintroductions on the opinion continuums;

discussing ideas and answering questions about reintroductions and

how they may impact the

wider UK.

Visitors had positive thoughts and comments on the

experience:

"It’s good to have the interaction with experts. That’s the

best way in which my daughter learns"

Dad with a six year old daughter

"My children learned about the wolves, how they originally lived in Scotland"

Mum with two children 6 and 9

"My grandchild learned about wolves coming back and extinct animals"

Grandmother

Father & daughter learn about

wolf recovery through map

activity, Natural Scotland Event

Voicing their opinions through continuum and

wolf words activities, Natural Scotland Event

Meet the Expert Sign at Glasgow Science

Centre, Natural Scotland Event


Glasgow Science Centre Case Study

A family of two children (aged 7 and 8) from

Bathgate came to the Glasgow Science Centre

for the very first time during the festival. The

children were particularly engrossed in

activities run by experts including the session

run by GSCer Jo Foo about amazing species like

the brown bear, moose and of course, the “big

bad wolf”. Their mother explains:

"It’s the one thing my children will remember of

their visit to the Science Centre. If on Monday, their teacher was to ask them what did you do at the

week-end? It is what they’d remember. They can learn and ask questions from experts."

Following the Natural Scotland event activities 87% of visitors to Glasgow Science Centre said they

felt more inspired to make positive behavioural changes relating to our impact on natural Scotland.

Interestingly, the vast majority were in favour of large predator reintroductions to the UK.

Lynx Reintroduction: Opinion Continuum, Natural Scotland Event Grizzly Bear Reintroduction: Opinion Continuum, Natural

Scotland Event

Wolf Reintroduction: Opinion Continuum, Natural Scotland Event


Appendix 3 – Glasgow Science Centre Newsletter Clipping

Clipping from Glasgow Science Centre internal Newsletter which reaches approximately 200 staff

members.


Appendix 4 – Dissemination

I plan to disseminate the information and experiences gathered via:

My online blog - wildlifebyjo.wordpress.com (to-date there have been over 2000 views)

Articles for other publications including The GIST (Glasgow Insight to Science and

Technology)

Talks, debates and workshops developed for a range of audiences from early years (age 3+)

to adults

Writing a collection of essays based on the conversations I’ve had with the incredible people

I met during my travels.

Photography exhibitions

Confirmed Bookings

30th November 2013 – Natural Scotland Event, Glasgow Science Centre – engaged over 70

visitors

28th February 2014 – Explorers & Scouts Talk, Scouts Association – engaged 52 Scouts,

Explorers and Leaders

8th September 2014 – Café Scientifique, Glasgow

To Be Confirmed/ Under Enquiry

Local Members Group Talks – Scottish Wildlife Trust

Workshops and presentations for Highland Wildlife Park, Royal Zoological Society Scotland

Workshops and presentations for Edinburgh Zoo, Royal Zoological Society Scotland

Workshops and debates for UK based Science Centres

Workshops and debates for UK based Science Festivals

Primary Schools Workshops in Aberdeenshire & Renfrewshire Councils

Beavers Talk, Scouts Association

Early Years Talks for Nursery Groups (Various Council Groups)

Presentations and debates for UK based universities & colleges

Documents

Evaluating Wildlife Reintroductions: Understanding Social ... · North America is renowned for its work to conserve controversial species including wolves, lynx, bison and the condor