This article is also available in Italian / Questo articolo è disponibile anche in italiano

On January 7th 2025 and for several following weeks, Scotland found itself at the center of a national debate when four Eurasian lynxes were illegally released near Kingussie in the Cairngorms National Park. While the intention was to reintroduce an apex predator to control herbivore populations, the lack of coordination and oversight raised concerns among local communities, conservationists, and farmers. The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) managed to capture two of the lynxes, but the incident ended tragically when one of the animals died shortly after being re-captured.

Despite the controversy surrounding this illegal release, the reintroduction of apex predators like lynxes is a critical part of the rewilding equation. Studies consistently show that these predators play a pivotal role in regulating herbivore populations, which in turn allows for the regeneration of plant life, the restoration of natural landscapes, and the stabilization of ecosystems.

While the lynx release in Scotland is a despicable and highly irresponsible act lacking social acceptance and proper planning, it emphasizes the growingly recognised potential of carefully managed species reintroductions and calls for scientifically and politically backed pro-active nature restauration, with people at its centre.

The Power of Species Reintroduction

In recent years, rewilding has emerged as one of the most promising and transformative strategies for restoring degraded ecosystems worldwide. This approach goes beyond the traditional methods of conservation by reintroducing both herbivores and apex predators to their natural habitats, allowing ecosystems to recover naturally through trophic cascades and the return of ecological balance.

Though rewilding initiatives often spark debate and controversy, particularly with the reintroduction of apex predators like lynxes and wolves, the scientific evidence supporting these efforts is clear. Species reintroduction — ranging from large herbivores to top predators — is essential for revitalizing ecosystems, combating climate change, and stimulating local economies.

The Role of Predators in Ecosystem Health

Apex predators, such as wolves, lynxes, and bears, serve as essential regulators within ecosystems. By controlling herbivore populations, they prevent overgrazing and overbrowsing, which can otherwise lead to habitat destruction and the loss of biodiversity. Their presence also helps control mesopredator populations, such as foxes, which in turn protects smaller species like birds and rodents that are vital for the health of the ecosystem.

The most famous example of the profound impact of apex predators is the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park in the United States. When wolves were brought back in 1995 after a 70-year absence, they quickly reduced the overabundant elk populations, which had been decimating the park’s vegetation.

As a result, plant species like aspen and willow regenerated, which in turn supported beaver populations and improved riverbank stability. This cascade of ecological benefits, known as a trophic cascade, showed the immense power of predators to shape the entire ecosystem. Research from Ripple (2012) demonstrates the ongoing, long-term positive effects that predators like wolves have had on Yellowstone’s ecosystem.

The Role of Herbivores

Equally important to ecosystem restoration are the reintroductions of herbivores such as wild horses, European bison, and wild boar. Herbivores, through their grazing and foraging behavior, significantly influence the structure of plant communities and create habitats for a variety of other species. By restoring the natural grazing patterns of large herbivores, ecosystems can recover from the effects of overgrazing, invasive species, and habitat destruction.

One example is the ongoing rewilding of the Greater Côa Valley in Portugal, where the introduction of wild horses and other large herbivores is rejuvenating degraded landscapes. These herbivores have helped manage plant growth, prevent overgrowth of shrubs, and encourage the return of native vegetation, supporting a wide range of species. In addition to ecological restoration, these projects also boost local economies by attracting tourists who seek authentic wilderness experiences.

In the Southern Carpathians of Romania, the return of European bison has had a similarly transformative effect. Not only have the bison helped to manage vegetation and increase plant diversity, but their presence has created new habitats for other species, leading to a resurgence of biodiversity in the region.

The Climate Impact: Rewilding as a Tool for Carbon Sequestration

Beyond biodiversity, rewilding — through the reintroduction of both herbivores and apex predators — plays an increasingly important role in climate change mitigation. Restored ecosystems, particularly forests, grasslands, and wetlands, act as powerful carbon sinks, helping to sequester large amounts of carbon from the atmosphere.

The reintroduction of herbivores in areas like the Apennine Mountains in Italy has not only helped to restore plant diversity but also enhanced soil carbon storage. As native vegetation regenerates, the soil's ability to store carbon improves, mitigating the effects of climate change.

Apex predators, by regulating herbivore populations, help to prevent overgrazing, ensuring that these carbon-storing ecosystems remain intact. Research shows that rewilding can lead to measurable increases in carbon sequestration, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.

Economic and Social Benefits: Rewilding for Communities

Rewilding is not only an ecological and environmental necessity but also an economic opportunity. The restoration of natural landscapes and wildlife populations can provide significant financial benefits, particularly through eco-tourism and sustainable agriculture.

Areas that have seen the successful reintroduction of species, such as the European bison in Romania or wild horses in Portugal, have witnessed an influx of tourists eager to engage with rewilded landscapes, creating jobs in conservation, hospitality, and tourism management.

Moreover, by restoring ecosystem services such as water purification, soil fertility, and flood regulation, rewilding can support local communities in maintaining sustainable livelihoods. The key to the success of rewilding projects lies in collaboration between conservation organizations, local governments, and communities to ensure that these initiatives are both ecologically and socially beneficial.

The scientific evidence is growing: species reintroduction can help restore ecosystems, increase biodiversity, contribute as a climate mitigation strategy, and stimulate economic growth. However, as the recent lynx incident in Scotland shows, rewilding must be approached with careful planning, scientific research, and active community involvement

For rewilding to truly succeed, social acceptance is crucial, and here lies the truly hard part. Communities living in areas targeted for rewilding projects must see the benefits and feel that their interests are being considered. This means engaging local populations, addressing concerns, and involving them in decision-making processes.

Human-wildlife coexistence measures play a central role in this process, ensuring that the introduction of species doesn’t disrupt local livelihoods or safety. Effective management strategies, such as compensation schemes for farmers or enhanced wildlife monitoring systems, are necessary to mitigate potential conflicts.

Without public support and a focus on harmonious coexistence, even the most well-intentioned rewilding efforts could face resistance, undermining their long-term success.

The path forward requires us to recognise the interconnectedness of all species — from the smallest herbivores to the largest predators — and to understand that their return to the landscape is integral to building resilient ecosystems and thriving human communities. By understanding, testing and iteratively adapting rewilding as a critical tool for ecological restoration and economic revitalisation, we can ensure a healthier, more sustainable future for both nature and society.

Cover: European Bisons, Envato