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Wolves no longer the stuff of fairy tales and fables

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Little Red Riding Hood has a lot to teach conservation biologists when it comes to reintroducing the wolf into the wild, according to a leading anthropologist. The ingrained image of the wolf in many cultures as the epitome of a physically powerful, cunning and malevolent force, propagated down the centuries through fairy tales, myths and legends, must be taken into account in any re-introduction strategy, or where wolves re-emerge naturally, said Garry Marvin, Professor of Human–Animal Studies at the University of Roehampton.

"We need to understand why the wolf has been demonised so much that we have tried in the past to eradicate it from the face of the planet," said Professor Marvin. "For any successful conservation strategy it is vital to engage with local people to understand their feelings and attitudes, or they will simply feel alienated and disempowered and be much less likely to co-operate." Professor Marvin was speaking ahead of an event during the week-long Festival of Social Science in November, where a panel of anthropologists will be discussing the relationship between humans and animals in the context of conservation programmes.

Ever since humans moved from being hunter-gatherers to becoming farmers, the wolf has become vilified as a unique symbol of evil. "From Red Riding Hood to Aesop’s fables and stories of werewolves, this creature has been imbued with demonic characteristics," said Professor Marvin. "As soon as humans started rearing livestock, the wolf became the mortal enemy."

With the advent of the 'new environmentalism' of the late twentieth century, however, conservationists have held the wolf up as magnificent symbol of the natural world that deserves a place in the wild as much as any other animal.

Professor Marvin has carried out extensive studies into the cultural significance of the wolf, and has interviewed shepherds and herdsmen in Albania, which has a small but protected population of wolves that are increasing in number. "In Albania, for example, there is a strong tradition that one treats a stranger with respect, and this applies to the animal kingdom - but not the wolf. As far as the locals are concerned the wolf acts as a criminal and therefore must be treated as such and punished."

Such views must be taken into account when plans are being drawn up to reintroduce or conserve wolves, said Professor Marvin. "It is important to understand the significance of the character of the wolf in the local culture. If scientists and conservationists come blundering in from the cities with no regard for these cultural sensitivities, they will alienate people."

Professor Marvin will be discussing his research at the event entitled Conflicting Interests: exploring conservation and human-animal relationships organised by the Royal Anthropological Institute in collaboration with the Horniman Museum for the ESRC Festival of Social Science, to be held at the Horniman Museum in London on 2 November, where several eminent anthropologists will talk about issues ranging from the illegal trade in animals to how revenues from wildlife tourism can help some of the poorest rural communities in Africa.

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Notes for editors

  1. Event: Conflicting Interests: exploring conservation and human-animal relationships
    Organiser: Ms Nafisa Fera, Royal Anthropological Institute
    Date: 2 November 2013 10.30 - 17.00
    Venue: Horniman Museum, Garden Pavillion, 100 London Road, London, SE23 3PQ
    Audience: General audience
  2. The Festival of Social Science is run by the Economic and Social Research Council and takes place from 2-9 November 2013. With events from some of the country's leading social scientists, the Festival celebrates the very best of British social science research and how it influences our social, economic and political lives - both now and in the future. This year's Festival of Social Science has over 170 creative and exciting events across the UK to encourage businesses, charities, government agencies, schools and college students to discuss, discover and debate topical social science issues. Press releases detailing some of the varied events and a full list of the programme are available at the Festival website. You can now follow updates from the Festival on Twitter using #esrcfestival.
  3. The Economic and Social Research Council is the UK's largest organisation for funding research on economic and social issues. It supports independent, high quality research which has an impact on business, the public sector and the third sector. The ESRC's total budget for 2012/13 is £205 million. At any one time the ESRC supports over 4,000 researchers and postgraduate students in academic institutions and independent research institutes.

Susie Watts 
Email: susie.watts@esrc.ac.uk 
Telephone: 01793 413119

The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)

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Economic and Social Research Council Festival of Social Science