Rewilding is a conservation strategy that restores natural ecological processes, often by reintroducing native species, reconnecting habitats and reducing continuous human management. It regenerates ecosystems by rebuilding interactions that allow the system to become more self-regulating and resilient.
Level and subtopic: SL and HL core, 3.3 Conservation and regeneration. Positive feedback linked specifically to rewilding is an HL extension.
Rewilding focuses on processes rather than preserving an ecosystem in one fixed condition. Restoring a missing species or habitat connection can change feeding relationships, competition, seed dispersal, nutrient cycling and succession across the wider ecosystem.
| Rewilding action | Regenerated ecosystem process |
|---|---|
| Reintroducing predators | Restores predation and regulates herbivore populations, potentially reducing overgrazing |
| Restoring large herbivores | Re-establishes grazing, trampling, seed dispersal and habitat disturbance |
| Reconnecting fragmented habitats | Enables migration, gene flow and recolonization |
| Removing intensive human control | Allows succession and natural disturbance processes to operate |
| Restoring wetlands or native vegetation | Rebuilds water regulation, nutrient cycling, carbon storage and habitat provision |
A named example is the reintroduction of grey wolves to Yellowstone National Park in 1995. Wolf predation influenced elk abundance and behaviour, which reduced grazing pressure in some locations and supported vegetation and associated habitats. This is often described as a trophic cascade, although other factors, including climate and human management, also influenced ecosystem change.
A common misconception is that rewilding means abandoning land completely. In practice, initial intervention, species monitoring and control of invasive alien species may be necessary before natural processes become more self-regulating. Rewilding may also create conflicts over livestock losses, land access and local livelihoods, so environmental justice and stakeholder perspectives must be considered.
Exam technique: For an explain question, link a specific rewilding action to a process and then to an ecosystem outcome. For evaluate, balance ecological benefits against limitations, use a named example, and reach a supported conclusion.
