Wolf

Wolves have been persecuted across Europe and Asia and the USA. As such it is only in recent decades that we can see the impacts that they have as they return. The wolves return to Yellowstone is one of the most well-known occasions where a wolf’s return has changed the whole ecosystem. Though less well-known they have also been making great strides in Western Europe, with populations expanding from small strongholds in Italy and northern Portugal and slowly recolonizing territories across Western Europe. Recent genetic analysis shows wolves are found in Africa, though here their behaviour is more like a jackal than its European cousins – i will cover this separately.

Wolf watching is an incredible experience – whether it is just the spine tingling sound of hearing a wolf pack howling, when you are out on a walk, a chance encounter on the road, or something more intentional, it is something that is likely to stay with you for ever. Only in recent decades has the essential place that wolves play in ecosystems across the world being recognized – whether they will be allowed to return to all, most or just a part of their former range is anyone’s guess. Living in the UK, I am frustrated by the governments dismissive attitude (in the most part) to making our ecosystem work once more.

 

 

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