What is rewilding in conservation?

Rewilding in conservation refers to the process of restoring ecosystems to their natural state, allowing them to function optimally as living systems. This approach often involves large-scale habitat restoration, reintroducing native species that may have been extirpated, and enabling natural processes such as predator-prey dynamics to reestablish themselves. By focusing on the ecological integrity of an environment, rewilding efforts aim to foster biodiversity, resilience, and overall ecosystem health.

This method acknowledges the interconnectedness of species and habitats and seeks to create landscapes where ecological processes can thrive without excessive human intervention. For instance, by reintroducing a keystone species, such as wolves in a forest ecosystem, other species can benefit as the dynamics of the habitat shift towards a more balanced state. The ultimate goal is to create self-sustaining ecosystems that can adapt to changes over time, contributing positively to the surrounding environment and enhancing biodiversity.