In recent years, humans have been using the planet's natural resources at an ever-increasing rate. This intensive exploitation has resulted in significant changes in the structure of ecosystems and global environmental balance. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), more than 32.000 species are in danger of extinction due to human activity. To mitigate this problem and restore ecosystems, the concept of conservation has emerged. rewilding, also known as rewilding or renaturalization.
This article delves into what rewilding is, what its objectives are, how it is carried out and what its importance is for conservation, biodiversity and human interaction with nature.
What is rewilding
El rewilding It is a large-scale conservation concept that has as its main objective Restore and protect natural areas by reintroducing key species, the recovery of ecological processes and the promotion of connectivity between areas that have been segmented or damaged by human intervention. Through these actions, rewilding seeks to restore ecosystems' capacity for self-regulation and self-sufficiency without constant human intervention.
The term was originally coined by American environmentalist Dave Foreman in the 1990s, and initially focused on the reintroduction of large predators into areas from which they had been eliminated, such as the case of the wolf in yellowstone, reintroduced in 1995 to correct imbalances caused by elk overpopulation. However, today rewilding encompasses a much broader approach that seeks to restore entire ecosystems, from flora to water cycles and other natural processes.
Rewilding proposes a vision in which nature is allowed to become wild again and self-regulate, removing human constraints. It is not just about protecting endangered species, but also about creating functional and resilient ecosystems that can adapt to climate change and other ecological challenges.
Main features of rewilding
Among the most outstanding characteristics of the rewilding Several key approaches are found that allow ecosystems to recover their functionality:
- Reintroduction of key species: One of the most important goals of rewilding is the reintroduction of native species that have disappeared, such as predators and large herbivores, to restore ecological cycles. For example, the return of bison in Europe It has proven to be essential for grassland restoration, as its natural grazing favors the diversity of plants and other animals.
- Natural autonomy: Rewilding is not about imposing control over ecosystems, but about reducing human intervention. Processes such as flooding, fires or the free flow of rivers must be able to occur naturally so that the ecosystem can recover by itself. The idea is that human intervention is only necessary during the early stages of restoration.
- Connectivity between habitats: Rewilding promotes the creation of ecological corridors that allow the free movement of species and genetic dispersal. This connectivity is essential to ensure the long-term survival of species as it facilitates migration and allows animals to find new habitats if their original environment is damaged.
- Reconnecting humans with nature: An intangible but extremely important aspect of rewilding is the emotional connection between humans and their natural environment. Ecotourism and environmental education play a central role in raising awareness and engaging local communities. People who experience the benefits of a restored ecosystem, where wildlife thrives, tend to be more aware of the importance of conservation.
Bases and approach of rewilding
Rewilding is structured around three interrelated pillars that are essential for the proper functioning of ecosystems: trophic complexity, natural disturbances and connectivity. Each of these pillars enables long-term and autonomous ecological restoration.
trophic complexity
Large herbivores and top predators play a crucial role in any ecosystem. The removal of predators can lead to uncontrolled herbivore populations, which negatively impacts vegetation and consequently affects other species. Restore the food chain helps restore natural balance. An example of this is the reintroduction of wolves in Yellowstone, which not only controlled the elk population, but also allowed for the regeneration of riparian forests and improved habitats for a wide variety of wildlife.
In this sense, rewilding also raises the possibility of using ecological replacement, which consists of introducing a species that fulfills ecological functions similar to those of an extinct species in that environment. This must be done cautiously, since the introduction of species can have unintended consequences.
Natural disturbances
Ecosystems are accustomed to certain cycles of disturbances that, although perceived as disastrous, are beneficial in the long term. Controlled fires, floods and storms are examples of disturbances that, under natural conditions, help maintain biodiversity and prevent the accumulation of biomass that can cause larger fires.
In contrast, human intervention has tended to suppress these disturbances, often leading to larger-scale disasters in the future. Allowing these natural phenomena to occur can help restore balance to the ecosystem.
rewilding connectivity
Isolation of biological populations can be fatal for genetic diversity. Species need to be able to move between different ecosystems to ensure long-term survival. This is especially important for endangered species that need new habitats where they can reproduce and thrive.
One of the key solutions of rewilding is the creation of wildlife corridors, which allow species to move safely between different protected areas. In Europe, for example, corridors have been developed for large animals such as the brown bear, facilitating genetic exchange between isolated populations and helping to recover fragmented habitats.
Connectivity also promotes ecosystem resilience to climate change, as it allows species to move to new territories when their original habitats are severely affected by climate change.
Examples of successful rewilding
There are several success stories where rewilding efforts have transformed degraded areas into balanced and self-sustaining ecosystems. Below are some of the most influential examples:
Reintroduction of wolves in Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park is perhaps the best-known case of rewilding. The reintroduction of wolves in 1995 helped balance the large numbers of elk, which, without natural predators, had devastated the local flora. Over time, the return of wolves allowed rivers and forests to regenerate, also improving habitats for other species such as beavers and waterfowl.
Danube Delta
In Europe, one of the most significant projects is the restoration of the Danube Delta, one of the most biodiverse areas on the continent. Thanks to rewilding policies, species such as the pelican and the European mink have returned in considerable numbers, revitalising the flora and fauna of this crucial habitat.
Central Spain and its iconic fauna
In Spain, initiatives such as the reintroduction of the Iberian lynx in the Doñana Natural Park have helped restore key ecosystems. These efforts have been successful not only because of the increase in the lynx population, but because they have regenerated the balance of their associated ecosystems. Other efforts include the reestablishment of wolf and bearded vulture populations in the north of the country.
The challenges of rewilding
While rewilding has many benefits for both ecosystems and humans, it also presents significant challenges that require carefully planned solutions.
- Conflict with human activities: Rewilding projects often clash with human interests, such as livestock and agriculture. Reintroduced animals, especially predators, may be perceived as a threat to livestock, creating tensions with local farmers and ranchers.
- Economic costs: Rewilding involves considerable investment at the outset to ensure adequate infrastructure, such as the creation of ecological corridors and the initial reintroduction of species. However, in the long term, it is considered more cost-effective than intensive management of protected areas.
- Risk of social conflict: Large animals such as bears and wolves sometimes cause concern in communities near rewilding projects. To minimise these risks, it is vital that programmes include measures to educate local communities and encourage forms of peaceful coexistence.
Rewilding is a transformative approach that has the potential to restore ecosystems and improve the quality of life for both wildlife and people. While there are challenges, evidence of the benefits and the growing number of successful projects around the world indicate that this strategy may be one of the keys to combating the climate and ecological crisis we face.