Specialty Animals Should be Given a Sanctuary in Europe
Did you know that animals such as lions, hippos, camels, etc., lived in Europe? A long time ago, before humans began traveling and discovering the rest of the world, these animals once thrived all around the world. Once humans found these new lands, they began hunting and killing off many species in certain areas so that humans could expand their territory and further develop it. According to Rewilding Europe, “For millions of years, European landscapes rivaled South Africa’s Kruger Park in terms of the diversity and abundance of large mammals. In addition to today’s deer, wild boar, ibex, and occasional bison, lynx, wolves, and brown bears, Europe used to be home to giant deer, wild horses, onagers [wild donkeys], aurochs [cattle], water buffalo, hippos, rhinos and elephants, as well as dholes [wild dogs], hyenas, leopards, lions, scimitar cats [sabertooth cats], moon bears and cave bears” (Trouwborst & Svenning, 2022). There used to be many variations of these species since they lived in different places around the world, but since they were hunted out of existence, there is only one variation of them left.
Rewilding Europe’s goal is to restore and protect natural habitats, which can help conserve biodiversity. As wilderness areas are allowed to recover, and ecosystems are restored to their natural state, it can provide shelter for endangered species.
Over the past century, human expansion and development have taken effect on the continent’s natural landscapes, leaving many once-thriving ecosystems degraded. Wildlife populations have declined, and iconic species such as wolves, bears, and lynx were on the edge of extinction (Pleistocene Rewilding: A Controversial Idea in Conservation Biology, n.d.). Climate change has further affected the situation, with more frequent weather events and loss of biodiversity threatening the balance of the environment.
In this crisis, a group of scientists, conservationists, and policymakers came together with a big vision — “Rewilding Europe.” They believed that by restoring natural processes and allowing wilderness to thrive once again, Europe’s ecosystems can rebound and take back their former glory (Pleistocene Rewilding: A Controversial Idea in Conservation Biology, n.d.). Their grand plan involves restoring native species, reintroducing long-lost key species, removing obstacles that prevented wildlife movement, and restoring degraded landscapes (Megafauna Restoration Is a Legal Obligation, 2022).
The Rewilding Europe movement gained some momentum, and soon, conservation organizations, governments, and local communities across Europe joined in the effort (Megafauna Restoration Is a Legal Obligation, 2022). Extensive restoration projects were started in different countries in Europe, with a focus on bringing back species that had disappeared from those environments. The road to restoration was not easy. Rewilding Europe faced many challenges, including regulatory obstacles, resistance from society, and funding problems (Megafauna Restoration Is a Legal Obligation, 2022). However, with determination and collaboration, progress was made.
One of the main strategies for Rewilding Europe was the reintroduction of key species. Wolves, once driven to extinction in many parts of Europe, were carefully reintroduced to suitable habitats, following thorough scientific research and community engagement (The Return of the Wolf in Europe, n.d.). In the Carpathian Mountains of Romania, a successful wolf reintroduction program was launched, where wolves were released into the wild and carefully monitored to ensure their survival and adaptation to their natural environment (The Return of the Wolf in Europe, n.d.). Over time, the wolf population grew, and the presence of wolves had a positive downward effect on the ecosystem, controlling herbivore populations and promoting a healthy ecosystem balance.
Similar success stories were seen with the reintroduction of other key species. Beavers, known as nature’s engineers, were reintroduced in various locations across Europe, helping to restore wetland habitats and create havens for other species (Reintroduction of Beavers to Europe, n.d.). The mysterious lynx, once on the edge of extinction in many parts of Europe, was successfully reintroduced in several countries, contributing to controlling herbivore populations and restoring the natural balance in ecosystems (Lynx, n.d.). The majestic European bison, a symbol of wilderness, was also reintroduced into several countries, including Poland and Romania, where large herds now roam free in large, protected areas, bringing back the spirit of European landscapes (Bison Rewilding Plan, n.d.). Reintroducing these species can lead to many great benefits.
Rewilding can “help protect and restore animal species, including endangered or threatened species” (What is Rewilding). By creating large, connected habitats, rewilding can help restore biodiversity and promote ecosystem resilience. Rewilded areas can become tourist destinations, attracting people who want to see wildlife and experience nature. This can generate economic benefits for local communities through eco-tourism, which can help to support conservation efforts and provide more incentives for protecting natural areas. Rewilded areas can provide important ecosystem services such as water purification, pollination, and nutrient cycling. These services can benefit local communities and agriculture, as well as contribute to global ecological health.
In addition to reintroducing lost species, Rewilding Europe also focused on restoring degraded landscapes. Efforts were made to restore natural processes such as river flow, floodplains, and coastal marshes, which have been changed or destroyed by human activity (insert citation). Dams were removed, and rivers were allowed to flow freely, creating a habitat for fish, beavers, and other species. In the Camargue region of France, a massive project called “Rhône Rewilding” involves the restoration of river deltas, marshes, and lagoons, providing critical habitat for migratory birds, fish, and other wildlife. These restoration efforts helped to reestablish the natural functionality of ecosystems and promote the recovery of wildlife populations.
Overall, “Rewilding Europe” can have significant positive impacts on the environment, local communities, and the global community as a whole. Rewilding is great for humans and animals. It restores balance in the food chain, and also makes Europe a greener and safer place.
Works Cited
Bison Rewilding Plan. (n.d.). Rewilding Europe.
“Carmargue/Delta Du Rhone Biosphere Reserve, France.” UNESCO, 28 Jan. 2022,
https://en.unesco.org/biosphere/eu-na/camargue.
Cryptid. (n.d.). Pleistocene Rewilding: Restoring a Lost World in North America.
Owlcation — Education. https://owlcation.com/stem/Pleistocene-Rewilding-Restoring-a-Lost-World-in-North-America
Lynx. (n.d.). Rewilding Europe.
Megafauna restoration is a legal obligation. (2022, May 27). Rewilding Europe.
https://rewildingeurope.com/blog/megafauna-restoration-is-a-legal-obligation/
Pleistocene Rewilding: A Controversial Idea in Conservation Biology. (n.d.). Thats
Life Science. http://thatslifesci.com/2019-02-25-Rewilding-a-Controverial-Idea-AGrade/
Reintroduction of beavers to Europe. (n.d.). Rewilding.
https://www.eresus-nature.com/reintroduction-of-beavers-to-europe/
The return of the wolf in Europe. (n.d.). World Wildlife Fund.
https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/the-return-of-the-wolf-in-europe
Tri. “What Is Rewilding?” Rewilding, 31 Jan. 2023, https://rewilding.org/what-is-rewilding/.
Trouwborst, A., & Svenning, J. (2022). Megafauna restoration as a legal obligation: International biodiversity law and the rehabilitation of large mammals in Europe. Review of European, Comparative & International Environmental Law. https://doi.org/10.1111/reel.12443.
