Werewolves to Are-wolves? Characterising key factors affecting public acceptance of a hypothetical Experimental Wolf Reintroduction in Scotland

Abstract: The newest Scottish government Biodiversity Strategy prioritises control of overabundant deer populations. Ecological theory and real-life instances suggest an unorthodox deer management solution: wolf reintroduction (WR). Theoretically, wolves would prey on deer, thus alleviate grazing pressure on Scottish vegetation and help landscapes thrive. A fenced, experimental WR (EWR) would verify whether this trophic cascade would occur. The present study assesses the social feasibility of a hypothetical EWR in Scotland. Through semi-structured interviews and a survey, EWR acceptance and attitudes among salient countryside stakeholders (farmers; hunters; deer professionals; scientists; countryside residents; estate owners or managers & workers; ENGOs & civil society organisations) was assessed. Statistical analysis suggested that EWR attitudes are shaped by personal beliefs, emotions, and perception of EWR outcomes. In accordance with socio-psychological theory, pro-rewilding beliefs, social trust, and positive emotions increased EWR benefit perception while decreasing evaluations of risk and unwanted outcomes. Benefits and drawbacks assessments respectively positively and negatively correlated with EWR attitudes. However, due to a small sample size, conclusions on the antecedents of EWR attitudes are unreliable. Findings revealed considerable opposition to EWR underlined by socioeconomic, institutional and technical reasons. Mainly, rural actors thought EWR would not control deer but instead constitute a source of several negative consequences, and critiqued the wildlife management capabilities of Scottish institutions. Additional barriers to EWR were the disconnections of central decision-makers from rural realities, and of the general public from nature. Because of the apparently firm opposition of Scottish countryside communities, and the uncertain ecological & scientific value of EWR, the social feasibility of EWR in Scotland seems to be very low. However, social acceptance of other ecosystem restoration and rewilding interventions may be fostered by targeting citizens’ personal values and emotions, and pursuing salient countryside stakeholders participation & engagement in the planning and implementation of landscape management projects.