Conservation and Science

Welcome to another issue of the Conservation and Science newsletter. Today, we are discussing an ever-interesting and controversial topic: the restoration of large carnivores, like wolves and lynx, to the islands of Britain and Ireland. To tackle this difficult and complex topic, I welcome to the podcast Jonny Hanson, an environmental social scientist, award-winning social entrepreneur, snow leopard conservationist, and former community farmer. Jonny and his work have been on my radar for a considerable time, and I'm really happy to share our conversation with you.

Farmers' Perspective on Large Carnivore Reintroductions

Can large carnivore conservation coexist with livestock farming? In this episode, environmental social scientist Jonny Hanson and I discuss the complex issue of large carnivore reintroductions in Britain and Ireland. What are farmers' perspectives on sharing landscapes with predators like wolves and lynx? How can we balance conservation goals with the realities of modern agriculture? We explore these pressing questions, drawing from Jonny’s extensive research and firsthand experience as both a researcher and small-scale farmer.

185: Farmers' Perspective on Carnivore Reintroductions with Jonny Hanson

In the episode, we discuss the challenges of large carnivore restoration to landscapes where they've been absent for centuries. Jonny highlights the importance of governance and stakeholder engagement in managing potential conflicts between wildlife and livestock. Our conversation covers various management tools, from livestock guardian dogs to compensation schemes, and examines their practical implications for farmers. Jonny also talks about the need for more social science research to understand the cultural and psychological aspects of reintroductions.

The episode concludes with a thought-provoking discussion on innovative approaches to wildlife management, including the potential use of technology to create "virtual fences" for large carnivores. We also explore the ethical implications of such interventions and question whether they diminish the wildness of reintroduced animals. This episode offers valuable insights into the complexities of rewilding and the delicate balance between conservation and agriculture. Listen to learn how human perspectives shape our future landscapes.

Further Reading:

Jonny's report: Large Carnivore Reintroductions To Britain And Ireland: Farmers’ Perspectives And Management Options​

Jonny's article in the Irish Examiner: Why we need to listen to farmers’ perspectives on lynx and wolf reintroductions​

Last Week's Replay: Wildlife In The Balance

In his book, “Wildlife in The Balance”, expert ecologist Simon Mustoe lays out the case for animals being the most important ingredient of the ecosystem. He outlines the critical importance of keeping the planet’s energy inputs and outputs in balance and the role animals play in ensuring this balance. This connection of ecology with physics is one of the most unique and forward-thinking aspects of this book. To extend this thought, the book contains one of the most comprehensive and compelling explanations of why the climate crisis and biodiversity crisis are in fact one and the same — neither can be solved separately.

Wildlife In The Balance with Simon Mustoe

Interintellect Salon: Discount Offer

This weekend, William Mankelow and I are hosting another Interintellect salon. Our topic: media consumption. We'll explore the question, "Have you ever considered consuming less media?"

​Reclaiming Your Time and Sanity: The Case for Minimal Media Consumption​

Want free VIP seats for this salon and all our future Interintellect events? Become a member of the Conservation and Science community on Buy Me a Coffee.

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