DON’T bring back wolves to Scotland, says Attenborough
LOVED by all and considered our foremost expert on the animal kingdom, he is the voice that unites Britain on every wildlife issue.
Sir David Attenborough has produced documentaries that have captured the attention of young and old, and his love for the natural world is evident in his broadcasts.
But in a surprising interview with BBC Focus Magazine, the wildlife broadcaster revealed this week that he is against the idea of ‘rewilding’.
The method of reintroducing species of animals that once lived naturally here has been gathering support throughout Scotland in recent months.
Beavers have been reintroduced to the wild but organisations such as Rewilding Scotland and the Scottish Wildlife Trust are hoping that the trend will continue and are campaigning for the reintroduction of lynx and wolves.
Speaking in an interview to mark his 90th birthday, Sir David explained how he thinks that reintroducing lost species could be one step too far. He said: ‘We have got a hell of lot of problems even keeping alive what is already surviving here. Admittedly, putting beavers back [in the wild] seems relatively innocuous. But I feel we’ve got enough on our plate.’
A number of other groups have also expressed their concerns over the movement, with farmers raising concerns over the welfare of their cattle that could become prey if new predators were allowed to roam loose across the Highlands.
But Sir David’s enthusiasm towards the natural world has meant his views on the subject have surprised campaigners.
David Balharry, director for Scotland of Rewilding Britain, said: ‘The division of for or against to introduce lynx depends on the people living in the area and that they are provided with the information. I would be surprised if he
‘We’ve got enough on our plate’
was against anything that led to ecological prosperity.’
Andrew Bachell, director of policy and advice for Scottish Natural Heritage, said: ‘We’ve already had a number of successful national reintroductions in Scotland, including sea eagles and red kites.
‘But rewilding isn’t just about releasing large animals. Rewilding is also about regenerating natural woodland or allowing areas of coast that flood naturally to flood again, and creating wildlife corridors.’
Sir David went on to explain that the biggest ecological change he had seen take place throughout his career was to human beings.
He said: ‘The world population has tripled since I started making programmes in the 1950s. Now, wherever you go, you see human beings and the consequences of what human beings have done. That’s the huge change.’
BBC One has produced a programme interviewing him about his life titled Inspiring Attenborough: Sir David at 90, which is due to be broadcast on May 8.