Bad Idea #7 "We Can't co-exist with wolves" with Luigi Boitani

🔍 Episode Summary:

In this compelling conversation, Mark Lynas speaks with world-renowned conservation biologist Luigi Boitani to tackle one of the most polarizing debates in wildlife conservation: whether humans and wolves can truly coexist.

Luigi, who has spent over five decades studying wolves across Europe and North America, explains why the return of the wolf is not an ecological anomaly — but a natural recovery.

Together, they explore the myths that surround wolves, the emotional bonds humans have forged with them, and the hard compromises needed for real coexistence. From debunking the Yellowstone "miracle" story to examining the politics of wolf conservation across Europe, this episode goes far beyond fairy tales to face the real challenges — and opportunities — of living alongside large carnivores again.

🧠 Topics Discussed:

🐺 What really defines "wolf habitat" — and why wolves don't need wilderness

🌍 How wolves recolonized Europe without reintroductions

❤️ Why humans have a deep emotional connection to wolves — and always have

📉 Debunking the Yellowstone 'trophic cascade' myth

🔀 The true meaning of coexistence — and why compromise is essential

🚫 Why political myths about wolves are driving bad policy across Europe

🏞️ Why rewilding efforts in places like the UK are emotionally compelling — but complicated

🐑 Conflict with livestock: guarding dogs, electric fences, and the limits of compensation

🧬 The risks of wolf population fragmentation from border fences

👥 How science can inform, but not replace, political decisions

👨‍🏫 Guest Bio:

Professor Luigi Boitani is Professor Emeritus of Conservation Biology at the University of Rome Sapienza and Chair of the Large Carnivore Initiative for Europe (IUCN SSC). He is one of the world's leading experts on wolf conservation, human-wildlife coexistence, and large carnivore management. His research has shaped European policy and global understanding of large predator recovery.

📚 Recommended Reading & Resources:

Large Carnivore Initiative for Europe — IUCN Specialist Group

Yellowstone Wolves — book referenced by Luigi Boitani

IUCN Guidelines on Human-Wildlife Conflict and Coexistence

💬 Quote Highlights:

“The best definition of wolf habitat is anywhere there's something to eat — and where you’re not shot.” — Luigi Boitani

“Be honest: the real reason we want wolves back is because we love them, not because of ecosystem services.” — Luigi Boitani

“Coexistence means compromise. Without it, we’re just dreaming.” — Luigi Boitani

“Even today, most human cultures feel the charisma of the wolf — and build it into their myths and beliefs.” — Luigi Boitani

“The Yellowstone story is beautiful, but even the scientists admit: we don’t really know what’s going on.” — Luigi Boitani

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