Wolf’s return transforms Veluwe wildlife and forest growth
The return of the wolf to the Veluwe region is gradually turning the landscape into what ecologists call a “landscape of fear,” affecting the behavior of red deer, wild boars, and even domestic cats. At the same time, the wolf’s presence is leading to more young trees, increased butterfly populations, and visits from birds of prey such as eagles and vultures, Omroep Gelderland reports.
Ecologist Dries Kuijper, who has conducted research on the Veluwe and studied ancient forests in eastern Poland with wolves, lynxes, and wild wisents for 16 years, explains how the predator’s presence is reshaping the region’s ecosystem. “Deer and other wild animals try to avoid risks due to the presence of a predator,” Kuijper told Omroep Gelderland. “This fear-driven landscape actually encourages more tree growth.”
“Deer avoid open spaces. Female deer also choose better-protected places to give birth,” Niko Koffeman, chairman of the Animal Protection Association, told Omroep Gelderland.
This avoidance behavior causes deer to move more often and graze less, as they constantly watch for predators. The result is more young trees have a chance to grow. Kuijper expects this will lead to greater ecological dynamics on the Veluwe over time.
Wild boars are also adapting to the new predator. Markus Rietveld, a forest manager in the municipality of Hattem, told Omroep Gelderland that “whereas previously there were clear family groups with one dominant female boar, now large groups travel together in bigger formations. In these larger groups, they have better safety and visibility — what’s called the ‘eye principle.’”
Domestic cats may also be affected by the wolf’s return. “Cats, known hunters of young birds, might disappear in places where wolves are active,” Kuijper told Omroep Gelderland. “They sense the presence of a top predator again. Smaller predators often try to avoid wolves.”
Wolves play a crucial role in the ecosystem, according to Jeroen Helmer of Ark Rewilding. He referenced the example of Yellowstone National Park, where wolf reintroduction led to the recovery of vegetation, beavers, butterflies, and even reportedly reduced riverbank erosion.
This effect is partly due to wolf carcasses providing food for scavengers like birds, butterflies, kites, and foxes, which absorb nutrients from the remains. Ravens also benefit, often following wolves closely. “Ravens follow wolves, as do possibly lammergeiers and golden eagles,” Helmer told Omroep Gelderland.
Wolf bone remnants contribute to local calcium enrichment. “A carcass feeds many flowers and plants. Although this effect is small and does not outweigh the nitrogen problem, it is present,” Helmer told Omroep Gelderland.
Humans also influence the wolf’s presence. Kuijper said, “Dutch people unintentionally make the landscape attractive to wolves, through garbage, unprotected sheep, and dead animals left by the roadside for removal services."
Despite this, wolves in Gelderland reportedly maintain a mostly classic diet: 93 percent wild animals, mainly wild boar, and only 1 percent sheep, according to fecal research by Kevin Groen of Leiden University. “Wolves reduce the number of wild animals by only about 15 percent. The primary effect is on animal behavior,” Groen told Omroep Gelderland.
