In search of the wild wolf

Ilpo Kojola, a scientist specializing in large carnivores, is out and about in the wilds of northern Finland, in the middle of a wolf packÌs territory.
The wolf arouses strong feelings, often primeval fear or fury. Kojola, who has a doctorate in biology, says that personally he primarily has a scientific interest in the wolf.

Kojola is responsible for research on large carnivores at the Finnish Game and Fisheries Research Institute. Since 1998, a total of 85 wolves have been fitted with transmitter collars for the purposes of this research. Data have been systematically collected, for instance on the movement of young wolves from their place of birth to new territories.

At the moment, researchers are most keenly interested in the unexplained decline in the wild forest reindeer population in northeastern parts of Finland. The most obvious culprit might be the numerous wolves, but Kojola thinks this can’t be the whole truth.

There is no shortage of live research material for researchers in Finland’s great forests, where the wolf population has more than doubled in six years. In 2005 at least 20 litters were born, making a total population of well over two hundred individuals. As recently as 1999, research put the total at under a hundred. In recent years, young wolves have sought out new ground for themselves and their packs, spreading over increasingly far-flung areas right down to southern Finland.

The spread of wolves from the great forests of the north and east into more southerly and western parts of the country has prompted some noisy protests from the public. The wolf is feared in county villages and few want them living permanently in nearby woodland.

But the wolf also has its supporters, those who would like to see the population grow still further. The strongest expression of support has come from the European Commission, which has raised legal action against Finland on the wolf issue. The Commission claims that Finland is not providing the level of protection for the wolf that the Habitats Directive demands.

“In a way, this an ideal job for a scientist who loves the wilds. On the other hand, the debate sometimes gets rather fast and furious, and even researchers come in for a lot of criticism. But that’s all part of the job, and sometimes the criticism is justified,” Kojola says.

KATI LEPPÄLAHTI
PHOTO SEPPO RONKAINEN, HARRI NURMINEN