Leeds University scientists said bringing wolves back to the Cairngorms, southwest, northwest and central Highlands could curb deer numbers and allow native woodland to thrive.
They think a population of about 160 wolves would be realistic, which would be enough to make a sufficient dent in deer numbers.
Lee Schofield, a co-author of the study, said they "recognise that substantial and wide-ranging stakeholder and public engagement would clearly be essential before any wolf reintroduction could be considered".
Reintroducing wolves in the Scottish Highlands could allow native forests to bloom and help reach climate targets, researchers have suggested.
Backlash to growing wolf numbers in Europe led to a downgrade to their protected status last year, appeasing aggrieved farmers but alarming environmentalists.
