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Wolf reintroduction project​

The grey wolf (Canis lupus) was extirpated from Scotland ~250 years ago. With global populations rebounding, wolves now occupy 67% of their former range. Apex predators like wolves can reduce overgrazing by deer, a major issue in Scotland. In this study we modelled habitat suitability for wolves on the Scottish mainland using land cover, prey density, road density, and human density as key variables. Fuzzy membership functions and overlay combined these factors, identifying the Highlands and Grampians as most suitable.

 

We found that suitable habitat could support 50–94 packs. Sensitivity testing showed that habitat availability is robust, suggesting wolf reintroduction in Scotland is feasible.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

journal.pone.0265293.g004.PNG

Figure shows wolf habitat suitability in Scotland using four different models.

 

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0265293.g004

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