Rewilding is a concept that is really getting on the agenda in Danish nature management. As a result, it was a central theme several times at the Nature Meeting in Hirtshals in May. But what exactly is rewilding? It’s not always easy to understand. The common definition is that rewilding is about re-establishing the biological processes in nature that over time have created different habitats and thus the conditions for species diversity. In other words: to get more wild nature by using nature’s own means.
Large grazers as tools of nature
In practice, rewilding often involves the reintroduction of large animals like moose and deer that help shape nature. But it can also be horses, cattle or sheep. What these animals have in common is that they are herbivores and in their own way they work the vegetation and soil to create better living conditions for other species. They create the conditions for open forest and open meadows. A good example is the reintroduction of the beaver in Jutland and North Zealand, where this “nature’s engineer” has recreated wetlands and thinned out forest stands by building dams – an effort of great importance for the management of natural areas and the preservation of biodiversity.
Challenges and ethical dilemmas
But rewilding is not without its challenges. To recreate natural dynamics in the landscape, it is important that humans do not interfere. The processes must find their own balance to achieve the greatest effect. Fallen trees should be left to decompose naturally and dead animals should remain in the landscape for scavengers like crows, beetles and microorganisms to benefit. But where do you draw the line? It’s one thing to let wild animals die a natural death, but what about horses, cows or other domesticated animals that are used to human protection? Are we prepared to let them starve during harsh winter months and perhaps die a painful death to keep our balance? Or is there a point where we must intervene – and compromise the basic principles of rewilding?
Rewilding and legislation – who is responsible?
Another important aspect is legislation. What rules should apply to animals that have previously been under the care of humans, such as horses, but are suddenly released into the wild? Do we still have a responsibility for them, or does it end the moment they become part of the wild? These questions are crucial to how rewilding can be integrated into Danish nature management. The debate has now been taken up in the Animal Ethics Council, but rewilding must also be part of the wider societal debate. We must ensure a clear framework for rewilding – for the animals and for society.
This post was originally published at Animal Ethics Council
