Rewilding in Europe: Restoring Nature’s Balance

Dec 23

In the Carpathian Mountains of Romania, herds of European bison graze on grasslands that had been barren for centuries. In Scotland, beavers—extinct in the wild for over 400 years—have returned, transforming barren waterways into thriving wetlands. In Spain, the Iberian lynx, once critically endangered, now roams across restored wilderness. These stories are emblematic of a growing movement to rewild Europe—an effort to restore ecosystems by reintroducing species and allowing natural processes to heal landscapes altered by centuries of human activity.

Rewilding is not only about bringing back individual species; it is about the restoration of entire ecosystems to their natural state. By reintroducing keystone species—those whose activities have profound effects on the environment—rewilding is an essential strategy for reversing ecological damage. The process aims to restore biodiversity, regenerate habitats, and promote a balanced relationship between human societies and nature. Europe’s landscapes have been deeply altered by human practices such as agriculture, logging, and urbanization, leading to the fragmentation of ecosystems. Rewilding offers a chance to undo some of this damage, creating environments where nature can thrive with minimal human intervention.

Success Stories in Europe

A key example of rewilding success is the reintroduction of the European bison to the Carpathian Mountains in Romania. Once extinct in the wild, the European bison, Europe’s largest land mammal, has been successfully reintroduced to areas like the Făgăraș Mountains. These animals are known as “ecosystem engineers” because their grazing helps maintain grasslands, dispersing seeds and fostering habitats for other species. In Romania, bison populations have not only stabilized but are thriving, with new calves born each year. Their return has enriched the region’s biodiversity by supporting the growth of plants, insects, and birds (Donlan et al., 2006).

Similarly, the reintroduction of beavers in Scotland has yielded remarkable results. Beavers were hunted to extinction in the British Isles more than 400 years ago, but their reintroduction has had transformative effects on ecosystems. Beaver dams slow water flow, reduce flooding, and create new habitats for fish, amphibians, and birds. In Knapdale Forest, once-barren streams have been revitalized, turning into bustling wetlands with thriving populations of otters, kingfishers, and dragonflies (Houghton, 2005). This example underscores the role of beavers in wetland restoration, demonstrating how the return of a single species can revitalize entire ecosystems.

The recovery of the Iberian lynx in Spain and Portugal is another powerful example of rewilding. Once the world’s most endangered feline, the Iberian lynx has rebounded thanks to captive breeding programs and habitat restoration. From fewer than 100 individuals in 2002, the population has now surpassed 1,100 (Potts et al., 2016). Lynxes help regulate rabbit populations, which, in turn, prevents overgrazing and allows the regeneration of plant life that supports other species.

The Ripple Effects of Rewilding

The benefits of rewilding go beyond the return of individual species. Rewilding facilitates the restoration of whole ecosystems, triggering cascading effects that enhance both biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Bison, for example, are not just grazing—they trample and churn the soil, which stimulates plant growth and creates habitats for ground-nesting birds and pollinators. Similarly, in the Italian Apennines, the return of wolves has helped balance deer populations, allowing forests to regenerate and supporting diverse wildlife (Challender et al., 2014).

Rewilding also has the potential to address climate change. Beavers’ construction of dams creates pools that reduce erosion, improve water quality, and support aquatic life, all of which contribute to healthier ecosystems and greater carbon storage. These cascading effects illustrate how rewilding can benefit biodiversity, support carbon sequestration, and help mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Challenges to Rewilding

Although rewilding has proven successful in many instances, it faces significant challenges. One primary concern is human-wildlife conflict, especially when predators like wolves are reintroduced. In some regions, farmers worry about potential livestock losses, and compensation programs for damage are essential for ensuring successful coexistence. In this context, it is crucial to build trust between conservationists and local communities to foster cooperation and ensure the long-term success of rewilding efforts (Donlan et al., 2006).

Another challenge lies in the fragmented landscapes of Europe. With cities, roads, and agricultural land dividing habitats, it can be difficult for wildlife to move freely. Efforts like the European Green Belt, which aims to create corridors linking fragmented habitats, are essential for allowing species to migrate and ensuring the genetic diversity of populations (Houghton, 2005).

Cultural resistance is also a concern in some areas, particularly in communities that prioritize traditional land uses over ecological restoration. To overcome these challenges, it is necessary to engage local populations, demonstrate the benefits of rewilding, and ensure that these efforts create tangible benefits for the people living in rewilded areas.

The Vision for a Wilder Europe

Rewilding Europe, a leading organization in the movement, envisions a continent where wild nature thrives alongside human communities. Their ambitious goal is to rewild at least 1 million hectares by 2030, creating a network of restored landscapes that span borders and support biodiversity. Key initiatives include:

Transboundary Corridors: Linking fragmented habitats to create safe migratory routes for species such as wolves, lynxes, and bears.
Nature-Based Economies: Encouraging ecotourism, sustainable farming, and forestry practices to integrate rewilding into local economies.
Community Engagement: Ensuring that rewilding benefits local communities and fosters coexistence between human populations and wildlife.

By supporting these initiatives, we can create a future where humans and nature coexist in a balanced, sustainable way, fostering resilience and beauty for generations to come.

A Call to Reconnect with the Wild

Imagine a Europe where rivers are clear, forests teem with life, and predators roam freely to maintain ecological balance. Rewilding offers a vision of a future where humans and nature live harmoniously. By supporting rewilding initiatives, protecting wild spaces, and promoting coexistence, we can restore the natural world and ensure a legacy of resilience and beauty for future generations.

The wild is calling us back—let’s answer.

References

Donlan, C. J., et al. (2006). Rewilding North America: A case study for species restoration. Biological Conservation, 132(1), 1-19.
Houghton, R. A. (2005). Above-ground biomass in tropical forests and its contribution to global warming. Science, 310(5756), 1284-1288.
Potts, S. G., et al. (2016). The contribution of pollinators to global food security. Food Security, 8(4), 1-19.
Challender, D. W. S., et al. (2014). The pangolin trade: A global crisis. Biological Conservation, 181, 1-11.