Summary
Restoring ecosystems by reintroducing species and natural processes.
In depth
Passive rewilding allows natural recovery; active rewilding reintroduces species (wolves, beavers, bison). Trophic rewilding restores top-down interactions. Social acceptance is key.
Rewilding aims for self-sustaining ecosystems. Large carnivores and herbivores can restore processes. It needs community engagement.
Example: European bison have been reintroduced to several countries.
Rewilding aims to restore self-sustaining ecosystems with minimal ongoing management, by reintroducing species, especially keystone species and large herbivores or predators, and restoring natural processes such as flooding and grazing. Approaches include Pleistocene rewilding, trophic rewilding and passive rewilding after land abandonment.
The reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone in 1995 is cited as causing a trophic cascade: elk behaviour changed, willows and aspen recovered, beavers and songbirds returned, though the strength of the effects is debated. Other projects include beavers in Britain, bison in Europe and the Oostvaardersplassen. Concerns are conflicts with farming, safety and management.
Example: European bison have been reintroduced to forests in Romania.
Key idea: the focus is on processes and functions, not only species.
Frequently asked questions
What is Rewilding?
Restoring ecosystems by reintroducing species and natural processes.
Which area of biology covers Rewilding, and how advanced is it?
Rewilding is one of the 52 topics in Taxonomy & Biodiversity. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Habitat Loss, Conservation Biology, Latitudinal Diversity Gradient.
Can you give an example of Rewilding?
Beavers have been reintroduced in Britain to restore wetlands.
What should I learn before Rewilding?
Work through the Beginner topics in Taxonomy & Biodiversity first, such as Taxonomy, Binomial Nomenclature, Taxonomic Hierarchy, then return to Rewilding. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Rewilding?
The closest topics to Rewilding are Habitat Loss, Conservation Biology, Latitudinal Diversity Gradient, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Rewilding?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Rewilding. To practise the whole of Taxonomy & Biodiversity, use the Taxonomy & Biodiversity quiz.
How is Rewilding different from Habitat Loss?
Rewilding: Restoring ecosystems by reintroducing species and natural processes. Habitat Loss: Destruction of natural habitats by farming, logging and urbanisation, the leading threat to species. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Rewilding step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Habitat Loss and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Taxonomy & Biodiversity quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.