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Conservation: Meeting biodiversity targets through rewilding.

Henrique M Pereira¹, Jes Hines², Néstor Fernández³

¹German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; Institut für Biologie, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany; CIBIO (Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources)-InBIO (Research Network in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology), Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal.

Current Biology : CB

|October 22, 2024

Summary

Rewilding is a popular restoration strategy. A new study identifies optimal European locations for rewilding to achieve 2030 biodiversity targets.

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Area of Science:

Ecological restoration
Conservation biology
Landscape ecology

Background:

Rewilding is an increasingly favored approach to ecological restoration.
It encompasses passive ecological succession and active reintroduction of keystone species.
Effective rewilding strategies are crucial for meeting biodiversity goals.

Purpose of the Study:

To identify the most suitable areas for rewilding in Europe.
To align rewilding efforts with the 2030 biodiversity protection targets.
To provide a data-driven framework for prioritizing rewilding initiatives.

Main Methods:

Spatial analysis of European landscapes.
Assessment of ecological suitability for rewilding.
Modeling to predict biodiversity outcomes.

Main Results:

Specific regions in Europe identified as high-priority for rewilding.
The study highlights areas that can maximize biodiversity gains.
Potential for significant contribution to 2030 targets through strategic rewilding.

Conclusions:

Strategic rewilding in identified areas can significantly advance European biodiversity goals.
The findings offer guidance for policymakers and conservation practitioners.
Targeted rewilding efforts are essential for achieving ambitious conservation targets by 2030.