Rewilding Could Restore 25 Percent of Europe's Landscape

Rewilding Could Restore 25 Percent of Europe's Landscape
by Hugo Ritmico
Madrid, Spain (SPX) Aug 16, 2024

Europe's vast stretches of abandoned farmlands offer significant rewilding potential, according to recent research published in the journal *Current Biology*. The study suggests that nearly a quarter of the continent, approximately 117 million hectares, could be targeted for rewilding, aligning with the 2030 European Biodiversity Strategy's objectives to safeguard 30% of European land, with 10% under strict conservation.

Researchers highlighted that 70% of these rewilding opportunities are located in colder regions, particularly in Northern Europe, including Scandinavia, Scotland, and the Baltic states, as well as certain highland areas in the Iberian Peninsula.

"There are many areas in Europe that have a low enough human footprint, as well as the presence of key animal species, to potentially be rewilded," stated first author and biogeographer Miguel B. Araujo (@Araujo_lab) of the National Museum of Natural Sciences, CSIC, Spain, and the University of Evora, Portugal. "We also highlight the need for different strategies depending on the conditions of each region."

The study outlines criteria to identify rewilding potential: expansive land areas of over 10,000 hectares with minimal human activity and the presence of essential wildlife species. Depending on these factors, the researchers propose two rewilding strategies-passive and active.

Passive rewilding depends on natural recolonization, where animals gradually repopulate abandoned areas. This approach is most effective in regions with a robust population of key herbivores such as deer, ibex, moose, and rabbits, as well as predators like wolves, bears, and lynxes. In contrast, regions lacking these critical species would require active rewilding, involving the reintroduction of species to restore the ecosystem. Both strategies aim to develop a self-sustaining and biodiverse landscape.

"I often refer to herbivores as the ecosystem engineers as they graze and shape the vegetation, while predators would be the architects creating 'fear landscapes' that herbivores avoid," Araujo explained. "The interaction between herbivores and carnivores creates mosaic patterns in the landscapes, essential for biodiversity."

The study also notes that countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and Scandinavian nations could achieve their conservation goals if they implement the proposed rewilding zones and strategies. However, in densely populated regions, countries like Ireland, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Denmark may struggle to meet their conservation targets solely through rewilding, necessitating alternative approaches.

"Conservation strategies involving ecological restoration of densely populated areas could help some countries reach conservation goals," added Araujo. "Countries could reclaim land to turn it into conservation areas or establish networks of small, protected habitats. Traditional multi-use landscapes, like the oak parklands in the Iberian Peninsula and various extensive agricultural and forestry systems across Europe, could also help if managed sustainably."

As governments and organizations continue to focus on land conservation, the researchers hope that their findings and proposed framework will guide efforts to manage areas with the highest rewilding potential. Nonetheless, they warn that immediate action is crucial.

"We're racing against time," Araujo emphasized. "The areas that look most promising for rewilding today may not be the same in 50 years due to the impacts of climate change."

Research Report:Expanding European protected areas through rewilding