Wildlife experts are "very excited" at the prospect of bringing back elks to the East Midlands - and to the UK - for the first time in about 3,000 years. The Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Wildlife Trusts have secured £15,000 of funding from the Rewilding Britain charity to begin feasibility studies into their return. The animals are regarded as "keystone" species which can create and maintain habitats for diverse other species. Janice Bradley, from Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust (NWT), said one of the major challenges was getting the public used to the idea that elk "should be here". European elk were originally widespread in Britain but were hunted to extinction in the Neolithic era. Ms Bradley, head of nature recovery (north), said: "They are one of our lost species. "They used to roam all over the place, through lots of different habitats, throughout the UK. "They would have roamed through the wetlands of the Trent, in and out of reed beds and pools, woods and grasslands, so they are native and were lost due to hunting, probably by Neolithic people, and we think they should be brought back to fulfil their role in optimising habitats for other wildlife." The new funding will pay for a disease risk assessment, to study whether reintroduced elk would bring infections to existing livestock or vice versa. Ms Bradley thinks the successful reintroduction of beavers could be a good guide to the new project. "We consulted with 2,000 households to say what was going on," she said. "We would intend to do the same with elk, to inform residents and let them know what we are doing. "But also helpfully get people excited and engaged. "And engaging with landowners is very, very important part of any of the next steps. "One of the first challenges is getting people used to the idea these animals are native to this country and they should be back here." An average adult moose stands between 4ft 7in and 6ft 11in (1.4m to 2.1m) high at the shoulder and can weigh from 380kg to 700 kg (838 to 1,543 lb). Does Ms Bradley believe such animals can be brought back to the UK and allowed into the wild? "Initially our elk and beavers would be in same enclosure, bringing them back together in the UK for the first time in 3,000 years," she said. "But because elk prefer to be in those big, complex wetland habitats, eventually we would be looking at elk along the Trent valley. "They would very much stay in those habitats, they wouldn't be roaming across roads like deer, but that's a very long way away yet. "But I'd like to see them sooner rather than later." Follow BBC Nottingham onFacebook, onX, or onInstagram. Send your story ideas toeastmidsnews@bbc.co.ukor viaWhatsAppon 0808 100 2210.
Project aims to return 'keystone' elk to UK
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Wildlife Trusts Explore Reintroduction of Elks to the UK After 3,000 Years"
Bbc News
7.7
TruthLens AI Summary
Wildlife experts in the East Midlands are optimistic about the potential reintroduction of elks to the UK for the first time in approximately 3,000 years. The Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Wildlife Trusts have received £15,000 in funding from Rewilding Britain to conduct feasibility studies concerning the return of these 'keystone' species. Elks are known for their crucial role in creating and maintaining diverse habitats, which can benefit various other wildlife. Janice Bradley, head of nature recovery at Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, emphasized the importance of helping the public understand that elks are native to the region and should be reintroduced. Historically, European elks were once widespread across Britain but were driven to extinction during the Neolithic era due to hunting pressures. Bradley noted that the elk once roamed through a variety of ecosystems in the UK, including wetlands, reed beds, woodlands, and grasslands, and their return could help optimize habitats for other wildlife species.
The funding will also facilitate a disease risk assessment to evaluate whether the reintroduction of elks might pose health risks to existing livestock or vice versa. Drawing from the successful reintroduction of beavers in the UK, Bradley mentioned that they plan to engage with the local community by consulting with households about the project and generating excitement around the elk's return. Engaging with landowners will also be a crucial part of the next steps in this initiative. Initially, the elk would be kept in enclosures alongside beavers, but the long-term goal is to establish elk populations in suitable wetland habitats, such as the Trent Valley. Bradley expressed her hope to see elks back in the wild sooner rather than later, although she acknowledged that this process would take time. The average adult elk can stand between 4 feet 7 inches to 6 feet 11 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 380 kg and 700 kg, further underscoring the significant ecological role they could play if successfully reintroduced to their native environments.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights an initiative to reintroduce elk, a species extinct in the UK for about 3,000 years, to the East Midlands. The project, backed by funding from Rewilding Britain, aims to conduct feasibility studies and engage the public in the process. This is positioned as a crucial step in restoring natural habitats and promoting biodiversity.
Public Sentiment and Engagement
One of the primary goals is to shift public perception and acceptance of elk as native species that belong in the UK. The project's leaders recognize that educating the community is essential for the successful reintroduction of elk. By referencing the prior success of beaver reintroductions, the article suggests a strategy of community consultation and involvement, which could foster excitement and support for the project.
Challenges and Considerations
The article does not shy away from acknowledging the potential challenges, including public resistance and the necessity of conducting disease risk assessments. These assessments are particularly important to address concerns about the health implications for existing livestock. By outlining these challenges, the article presents a balanced view of the project while still advocating for elk's return.
Potential Manipulation and Hidden Agendas
While the article promotes an optimistic narrative about rewilding and biodiversity, it may downplay the complexities involved in such initiatives. There is a potential risk that the excitement generated could overshadow legitimate concerns from local farmers and landowners. The language used is generally positive and focused on the ecological benefits, which might lead to skepticism about whether all viewpoints are being fully considered.
Comparative Analysis with Other News
In examining similar articles on wildlife reintroduction, a pattern emerges of emphasizing ecological restoration and community involvement. This aligns with broader environmental movements that seek to restore natural ecosystems, indicating a growing trend in conservation journalism.
Societal and Economic Impact
The reintroduction of elk could have various societal implications, including stimulating ecotourism and fostering a connection to nature. However, it could also lead to tensions with agricultural communities if not managed properly. The potential economic benefits could attract support from environmentalists and tourism sectors, while posing challenges for farmers concerned about livestock safety.
Target Audience and Community Support
The initiative appears to resonate more with environmentally conscious communities, conservationists, and wildlife enthusiasts. By framing elk as a "lost species," the project aims to evoke a sense of nostalgia and responsibility among the public, particularly those interested in history and ecology.
Market and Global Implications
While the article primarily focuses on a local initiative, the underlying themes of biodiversity and rewilding are relevant in a global context. Such projects can influence broader discussions on climate change and species conservation, potentially impacting related markets like ecotourism and sustainable agriculture.
Use of AI in Writing
The writing style of the article is straightforward and informative, typical of news pieces that may or may not incorporate AI for preliminary drafts or data presentation. If AI were utilized, it might have influenced the structure or clarity but not necessarily the underlying message, which remains focused on promoting the reintroduction of elk.
Trustworthiness of the Article
The article appears credible, as it cites experts and organizations involved in the project. However, the optimistic tone and lack of comprehensive coverage of potential drawbacks may lead some readers to question the full scope of the challenges ahead. Balancing excitement with realistic expectations is essential for maintaining trust.
Overall, the article serves to generate enthusiasm for wildlife reintroduction while subtly navigating the complexities of public perception and ecological balance.