For centuries, Europe’s landscapes have been defined by human hands. Forests were cleared, fields tilled, and grazing animals were herded and confined. This human-driven mosaic created an ecosystem where open grasslands and light-demanding plant species thrived—but only under continual management. When land use ceases, nature begins to reclaim it. Shrubs and trees spread, open fields darken, and many specialized plants and insects disappear. Today, much of temperate Europe is on a slow march toward dense, shadowed woodlands—a process known as vegetation succession.

Rewilding aims to reverse this trend. By reintroducing large herbivores, conservationists hope to restore self-regulating ecosystems reminiscent of those that existed before widespread human alteration. In northern Europe, this often means substituting extinct wild species like aurochs (Bos primigenius) and wild horses (Equus ferus) with modern cattle (Bos taurus) and horses (Equus ferus caballus). The idea is simple: these animals graze, trampling and browsing vegetation, keeping the landscape open, and creating opportunities for light-demanding plants and insects to persist.

Yet, the success of this approach depends on understanding not just that these animals eat plants, but how they move across the landscape, where they choose to feed, and how their presence affects vegetation patterns over time. Until recently, these questions were difficult to answer. But a team of ecologists in Denmark has brought new clarity by tracking GPS-collared horses and cattle and combining their movement data with satellite observations of vegetation productivity. The results, published in a recent study, reveal both predictable patterns and surprising behaviors.

Grazers Follow the Green—but Not Always

One of the key findings is that both horses and cattle are drawn to open vegetation. This is not surprising: grasslands and short shrubs provide easy grazing and minimize the energy needed to move through dense brush or forest. The animals’ movement patterns, analyzed across seasons, confirmed that areas with lower vegetation density and higher connectivity were favored by both species. Horses, it turns out, tend to roam more widely than cattle, exploring forest edges and patches of shrubs that cattle generally avoid. But both species diverge in their choices when resources become scarce, particularly during winter. Horses maintain a more varied diet, supplementing grasses with leaves from deciduous trees, while cattle rely more heavily on shrubs, especially brambles like Rubus species.

The study also revealed a less expected behavior: both horses and cattle were strongly attracted to a single artificial shelter in the reserve. Despite abundant natural alternatives, the animals repeatedly returned to this human-made structure, highlighting the influence of infrastructure on space-use patterns. It’s a reminder that even in rewilded systems, subtle human interventions can steer animal behavior in ways that may not always align with ecological goals.

Grazing Shapes Vegetation—and Resilience

Beyond movement patterns, the researchers wanted to understand how grazing affects vegetation structure at the landscape scale. By overlaying animal GPS data with satellite-derived vegetation indices, they discovered a clear correlation: areas heavily used by herbivores remained more open, with lower vegetation density, while lightly used areas experienced denser growth. In other words, the presence of these grazers slows the natural progression toward shrub-dominated or forested landscapes.

Interestingly, these highly used areas were also more sensitive to environmental stress, particularly the pan-European drought of 2018. Vegetation in grazing hotspots experienced rapid declines in greenness during the drought but bounced back faster than less-frequented areas once rains returned. This resilience suggests that grazing not only shapes plant structure but may also enhance ecosystem recovery following extreme events—a crucial insight as climate change increases the frequency of droughts and heatwaves in temperate Europe.

When herbivore populations declined by roughly two-thirds after the drought, the landscape greened, but this recovery did not correspond neatly with the previous intensity of grazing. This highlights the nuanced interplay between herbivore activity, climate events, and vegetation dynamics, emphasizing that managing landscapes is rarely straightforward.

Diversity Matters

One interesting outcome of the study is how the combination of cattle and horses—two species often considered ecologically similar—creates more heterogeneity than either species alone. While both are large herbivores, their differences in diet, movement, and seasonal preferences mean that together they influence a wider range of vegetation types. In periods of resource scarcity, the divergence in space-use ensures that some areas receive more intensive grazing while others are left to regrow, promoting a patchwork of vegetation heights and densities. This patchiness is a key driver of biodiversity, providing niches for insects, birds, and smaller plants that thrive in varying light conditions.

Rewilding advocates often emphasize functional diversity—the idea that different species perform different ecological roles. The Danish study provides a clear illustration of this principle. Introducing multiple types of herbivores increases structural variation across the landscape, supporting a broader array of species and enhancing ecosystem stability.

Implications for European Rewilding

The Danish case study underscores the potential of trophic rewilding to maintain open landscapes without constant human intervention. By reintroducing year-round grazing, managers can curb vegetation densification, sustain light-demanding species, and foster heterogeneous habitats. This is particularly relevant in a European context where much of the natural landscape is no longer shaped by traditional land uses like rotational grazing or haymaking.

However, the research also points to challenges. The animals’ attraction to artificial infrastructure, such as shelters or water points, means that human placement of these structures can inadvertently concentrate grazing in specific areas. Thoughtful planning is required to balance animal welfare with ecological objectives. Similarly, understanding seasonal and species-specific behaviors is critical; a one-size-fits-all approach may not achieve the desired outcomes.

Perhaps most importantly, the study highlights how rewilding interacts with climate variability. Grazers not only shape vegetation structure but also modulate its response to extreme weather events. In a warming Europe, where droughts, heatwaves, and unusual precipitation patterns are becoming more common, large herbivores could play an increasingly important role in maintaining ecosystem function and biodiversity.

A Living Laboratory

Rewilding areas like the Danish reserve are more than just conservation projects—they are living laboratories, revealing how nature functions when allowed to self-regulate. Here, horses and cattle act as landscape engineers, creating open spaces and patchy vegetation that support a web of life far richer than any single species alone.

The study’s insights extend beyond Denmark. Across temperate Europe, many abandoned or minimally managed landscapes face rapid densification. Reintroducing large herbivores offers a tangible strategy to counteract this trend, preserving open habitats that have been vanishing since the end of traditional agricultural practices. Moreover, the nuanced understanding of space-use and vegetation dynamics gained from this research provides practical guidance for managers: which species to introduce, how to balance herd sizes, and how to integrate infrastructure without undermining ecological objectives.

Looking Forward

The Danish study also raises broader questions about the future of European ecosystems. As climate change accelerates and human influence continues to ebb and flow, managers will need to consider both ecological and behavioral factors in conservation planning. Grazers can be allies in maintaining landscape heterogeneity, but their impact depends on species composition, population dynamics, and the spatial configuration of resources.

Trophic rewilding is, in essence, an experiment in letting ecological processes govern themselves. By reintroducing species that were once lost, we can restore the interactions that shaped Europe’s landscapes for millennia. Horses and cattle may seem ordinary, even domesticated, but in the right context, they perform roles that no machinery or human management can fully replicate. They eat, they roam, they trample—and in doing so, they keep the land open, resilient, and alive with diversity.

As these herds wander the Danish reserve, they are writing a new chapter in Europe’s ecological story. One where wildness, in its broadest sense, is not just about animals running free—it’s about animals shaping the land itself, one patch of grass, shrub, or tree at a time. And for conservationists, scientists, and nature enthusiasts alike, watching this slow, subtle dance between grazers and vegetation offers both hope and a roadmap for rewilding a continent.

The post How Feral Horses and Cattle Are Shaping Europe’s Landscapes appeared first on Rewilding Academy.

The presence of red deer is often seen as a sign of ecological balance, as their grazing keeps forest undergrowth in check and creates habitats for smaller plant and animal species. Historically, red deer have been hunted for their size and strength, but conservation efforts in recent decades have helped maintain their numbers, especially in protected areas like national parks.

The Smaller, Shyer Roe Deer

Another native species, though less conspicuous, is the roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). This small and shy herbivore is found in forests and woodland edges across Europe. Unlike the red deer, which is more likely to graze on open grasslands, roe deer are browsers, feeding on leaves, twigs, and shrubs. Their smaller size allows them to thrive in environments where larger deer species might struggle, and they are known to be solitary and cautious, making them more elusive than their larger relatives.

Roe deer are extremely adaptable and can live in a wide range of habitats, including urban areas and agricultural landscapes. They are most active during the dawn and dusk, and their ability to thrive in fragmented landscapes makes them one of the most widespread deer species in Europe.

The Invaders

While the red and roe deer are native to Europe, other species have been introduced by humans, often with unforeseen consequences for the local ecosystem. Among the most prominent of these are the fallow deer (Dama dama) and the sika deer (Cervus nippon).

Fallow Deer

Native to the Mediterranean region, fallow deer were introduced to much of Europe in the medieval period, primarily for hunting purposes. They are medium-sized deer, larger than roe deer but smaller than red deer. Fallow deer are generalists, meaning they are equally at home in both woodlands and open grasslands. Their ability to adapt to a wide range of environments, from parklands to forests, has allowed them to thrive across much of Europe.

Fallow deer are also grazers but will consume a wide variety of plant material, including shrubs and tree leaves. As a result, they can outcompete native species like roe deer in certain areas, particularly where food is limited.

Sika Deer

Sika deer are invasive, alien species in Europe. Originally native to East Asia, sika deer were introduced to Europe in the 19th century, primarily for ornamental purposes in parks and estates. These medium-sized deer are similar to red deer but are generally smaller and more agile. Sika deer are primarily grazers but also feed on shrubs and tree bark.

Sika deer have been particularly successful in establishing themselves in European woodlands, where they often coexist with red deer. However, their introduction has raised concerns due to their potential to hybridise with red deer, resulting in changes to the genetic makeup of native populations. Sika deer are also more aggressive than roe and fallow deer, and their competition with native species for food and habitat has become a growing concern.

Muntjac Deer: The Smallest and Most Secretive

The muntjac deer, often considered the smallest deer species in Europe, is another introduced species. Native to Southeast Asia, the muntjac was introduced to Britain in the 19th century and has since spread to parts of Europe. These tiny, secretive deer are often found in dense woodlands, where they browse on a variety of plant material, including tree shoots and shrubs.

Muntjac are highly adaptable and have a much smaller impact on larger native species, largely due to their size and preference for dense undergrowth, which smaller deer species like roe deer also favor. However, their ability to thrive in fragmented habitats and their aggressive nature when defending territory could potentially make them a competitor to native species, especially where resources are scarce.

The Dynamics of Deer Interaction

The coexistence of multiple deer species in Europe creates a complex web of interactions. In some cases, these species can facilitate one another’s presence by utilizing different ecological niches, while in other instances, competition for food and space can lead to conflict.

Facilitation

In certain environments, species can benefit from one another’s presence. For example, the large red deer might help maintain open landscapes by grazing on grasses, which could provide more favorable conditions for smaller species like roe deer. Similarly, muntjac and roe deer, both small and solitary, might share habitat without significant overlap in their feeding patterns. Muntjac’s preference for dense undergrowth and roe’s habit of browsing shrubs allows them to coexist in woodland edges, where larger deer species like red or sika might avoid.

Competition 

However, competition for resources remains a significant concern, particularly between introduced species and native species. Fallow deer, for example, compete directly with roe deer for access to food, while sika deer’s ability to hybridize with red deer raises genetic concerns. Furthermore, the presence of larger species, such as fallow and sika deer, can outcompete smaller species like roe and muntjac, particularly in habitats where food resources are scarce. This competition can have a detrimental impact on native species, potentially leading to population declines or shifts in habitat use.

Niche Segregation 

The concept of niche segregation is central to understanding how species coexist. Each deer species has evolved to occupy a specific ecological niche—whether it’s the red deer’s preference for open grasslands or the muntjac’s affinity for dense woodlands. As a result, these species are able to reduce direct competition and minimize overlap in their diets and habitats. For instance, sika and red deer can coexist in mixed woodlands, but sika often prefer denser underbrush where red deer cannot access as easily. This segregation is influenced by factors like size, feeding behavior, habitat preferences, and reproductive strategies. Here’s how they typically segregate their niches:

1. Sika Deer (Cervus nippon)

• Size: Medium-sized deer (larger than roe deer but smaller than red deer).
• Habitat: Prefers woodlands, grasslands, and heathlands, often found in mixed forests with dense undergrowth.
• Feeding: Primarily grazers, but will also browse. They feed on grasses, herbs, shrubs, and young trees.
• Behavior: Sika deer are more active at dawn and dusk (crepuscular), and they tend to be more aggressive in defense of territory.
• Niche: They tend to coexist with red deer in woodland areas but prefer more dense vegetation for cover.

2. Fallow Deer (Dama dama)

• Size: Smaller than red and sika deer but larger than roe deer.
• Habitat: Can thrive in both woodlands and open fields. They are commonly found in parklands and areas with a mix of woodland and grassland.
• Feeding: Fallow deer are generalists, grazing on grasses, herbs, and shrubs but can also browse tree foliage.
• Behavior: They are also crepuscular, and during the rut, males are particularly vocal.
• Niche: Fallow deer often overlap with sika and roe deer in woodland areas but have adapted to a wide range of environments.

3. Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)

• Size: The largest deer species in Europe.
• Habitat: Prefers woodlands, moorlands, and open grasslands. They often occupy upland areas and forests with a mix of grassy glades.
• Feeding: Grazers that feed on grasses, shrubs, and woody plants. Red deer prefer open grasslands for feeding, especially during the spring and summer.
• Behavior: Mostly diurnal (active during the day), with males becoming highly vocal during the rut.
• Niche: Red deer tend to avoid dense forest areas occupied by smaller deer like roe and sika. They are often found in more open, expansive areas or larger woodlands.

4. Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)

• Size: Smallest of the European deer species.
• Habitat: Prefers deciduous and mixed woodlands, often found in the edges of forests and farmland.
• Feeding: Primarily browsers, feeding on leaves, twigs, herbs, and berries. They can also graze on grass, especially in winter.
• Behavior: Very solitary and shy, roe deer are mainly active at dawn and dusk.
• Niche: Roe deer tend to avoid larger, more aggressive species like red deer and sika, and they thrive in forest edges and more fragmented habitats, often where competition is lower.

5. Muntjac Deer (Muntiacus spp.)

• Size: Very small, one of the smallest deer species in Europe.
• Habitat: Prefers dense woodlands, often with thick underbrush, and is commonly found in more enclosed, fragmented habitats like parks and gardens.
• Feeding: Primarily a browser, munching on a wide variety of vegetation, including leaves, shoots, and shrubs.
• Behavior: Muntjac are mostly solitary, though they can form small groups. They are also crepuscular and are known for their loud barking calls.
• Niche: Muntjac prefer dense, understory-rich habitats and are more likely to overlap with roe deer, though they can live in more human-modified areas. They tend to avoid the open grasslands occupied by red and fallow deer.

Overview of Niche Segregation

• Sika Deer tend to overlap with red deer in forested areas but prefer areas with dense cover and tend to be more aggressive.
• Fallow Deer are generalists and adapt well to both woodland and open habitats, coexisting with both sika and roe deerin mixed landscapes.
• Red Deer, being the largest, are dominant in open grasslands and upland areas, often avoiding smaller species like roe and muntjac.
• Roe Deer prefer forest edges, avoiding larger species like red and sika deer but can overlap with muntjac.
• Muntjac are highly adapted to dense woodland habitats and thrive in smaller, more fragmented environments.

Each species has adapted to a particular ecological niche based on size, feeding habits, behavior, and habitat preferences. This reduces direct competition, especially where different species specialize in different types of food or shelter.

Potential Negative Impacts

Hybridization and Displacement

While the introduction of deer species like fallow and sika can provide prey opportunities and enrich biodiversity in some areas, especially where native deer are missing, their presence can also have detrimental impacts on native ecosystems. For example, sika deer, which have been shown to hybridise with red deer, could lead to a loss of genetic integrity in native red deer populations, disrupting the balance of ecosystems that depend on these species. The competition for food and habitat, especially in areas where resources are limited, can lead to declines in native populations.

Scientific studies have documented the aggressive behaviour of sika deer towards red deer, particularly during the rutting season. Sika stags exhibit high levels of aggression, often disrupting red deer mating behaviours by attacking young red stags and mating with red hinds, even in the presence of dominant red stags. This aggressive behavior contributes to hybridisation between the species, leading to ecological and genetic consequences for native red deer populations

Alteration of plant communities and ecosystems

Additionally, the species-specific grazing pressure from deer species can have a lasting impact on plant communities, particularly in sensitive habitats like woodlands and heathlands. Overgrazing can lead to a reduction in plant diversity, which in turn affects other wildlife that depend on those plants for food and shelter. Species-specific fouraging preferences for certain plant species can reshape entire plant communities, triggering cascading effects on other herbivores, including rodents and insects—and the species that rely on them.

Impact on Smaller herbivores

invasive muntjac (Muntiacus spp.) and sika deer (Cervus nippon) could compete with smaller herbivores and rodents for resources, particularly in ecosystems where food availability is limited.

Diet Overlap and Competition

Both muntjac and sika deer are generalist herbivores with diets that include:

• Muntjac: Leaves, shoots, fruits, and low-growing vegetation, including brambles and seedlings.
• Sika deer: Grasses, heather, shrubs, and tree bark, with a preference for young tree shoots and ferns.

While they primarily feed on vegetation suited to their size and behavior, muntjac in particular may compete with smaller herbivores like hares, rabbits, and rodents by consuming similar low-lying plants, fruits, and seedlings. In areas where muntjac are overabundant, their foraging pressure can reduce the availability of young plants and understory vegetation, potentially displacing small herbivores that rely on the same food sources.

Sika deer, which consume a broader range of grasses and tree bark, are less likely to directly compete with rodents but may alter plant community structure, making habitats less favorable for small mammals.

Cascading Ecological Effects

• Reduced understory vegetation: Overgrazing by muntjac can lead to habitat loss for small mammals, insects, and ground-nesting birds.
• Disrupting food chains: Competition for fruits and seedlings may impact rodent populations, which in turn affects predators like owls and foxes.
• Forest regeneration issues: Heavy browsing of young trees by both species can slow woodland regeneration, impacting the broader ecosystem.

While competition between deer and smaller herbivores depends on population densities and habitat conditions, invasive species like muntjac and sika deer have the potential to disrupt native ecosystems through resource competition and habitat degradation.

What about Moose?

When comparing red deer, roe deer, fallow deer, sika deer, and muntjac with moose (Alces alces) in Europe, their interactions can also be shaped by competition, facilitation and niche segregation, depending on habitat, resource availability, and population densities.

Potential Competition with Moose

Moose are large, selective browsers, primarily feeding on woody vegetation, including willows, birches, and aquatic plants. While their diet overlaps with some of these smaller deer species, competition is likely limited under normal conditions due to dietary niche differences. However, under high densities or in degraded habitats, competition may become more pronounced:

• Red deer & sika deer: These species can compete directly with moose for woody browse, especially in winter when herbaceous plants are scarce. Sika deer, in particular, have been known to outcompete native deer in some areas due to their adaptability.
• Fallow deer: Being more of a mixed feeder (grazing and browsing), fallow deer may have some dietary overlap with moose, but competition is likely lower than with red or sika deer.
• Roe deer & muntjac: These species are smaller browsers with a preference for low shrubs, herbs, and young tree shoots. While they share food sources with moose, their smaller size and different browsing strategies likely reduce direct competition.

Facilitation Effects

Some interactions may be mutually beneficial rather than competitive:

• Habitat modification: Moose browsing can open up dense forests, allowing more light to reach the understory, potentially benefiting smaller browsing species like roe deer and muntjac.
• Trophic interactions: By feeding on different plant parts, these species may reduce competition and even enhance food availability for one another. For instance, red deer and moose targeting taller shrubs could stimulate regrowth of lower vegetation, benefiting roe deer and muntjac.

Niche segregation

• Aquatic Adaptations vs. Terrestrial Grazing: Moose are the only cervid in Europe specialized in foraging on aquatic vegetation. They can submerge completely, feeding on plants like water lilies, pondweed, and horsetail, which are rich in sodium and minerals.
• Seasonal shifts: Moose dominate in winter, when woody browse is the primary food source, while red deer thrive in summer, when grasses and forbs are available.

Impact of Introduced & Invasive Species

Among the introduced species:

• Sika deer pose the greatest concern for moose due to interactions with red deer, which could alter ecosystem dynamics.
• Muntjac and fallow deer are less likely to affect moose populations directly, but overgrazing by high muntjac densities could degrade forest understories, indirectly impacting moose by reducing food availability.

Sika deer, as an introduced species in Europe, can influence red deer through hybridisation, competition, and habitat alteration. This, in turn, can have cascading effects on moose:

1. Hybridisation with Red Deer

• Sika and red deer can interbreed, producing hybrid offspring. Over time, this genetic mixing can alter red deer populations, potentially changing their behavior, morphology, and ecological role. If red deer become less competitive due to hybridization, their population dynamics may shift, indirectly affecting species that interact with them—including moose.

2. Increased Competition for Resources

• Where sika deer and red deer coexist, sika deer often outcompete red deer by being more aggressive and better adapted to human-altered landscapes. Sika deer are highly adaptable browsers and grazers, consuming many of the same plant species as red deer. In areas where sika deer numbers increase, red deer may be displaced from preferred feeding areas, forcing them into habitats where they overlap more with moose. This could heighten competition for browse species like young trees, shrubs, and aquatic vegetation, particularly in winter when food is scarce.

3. Impact on Vegetation and Ecosystem Structure

• If sika deer alter the vegetation structure through overgrazing or selective feeding, this can influence habitat quality for both red deer and moose. For example, if red deer are pushed into areas with lower-quality forage, they may overbrowse young trees, reducing the availability of food and shelter for moose, which rely on regenerating forests.

How This Affects Moose

While moose and red deer generally reduce direct competition through niche partitioning—moose favor aquatic plants and higher browse, while red deer are more mixed feeders—changes in red deer behavior or abundance can disrupt this balance. If red deer populations shift due to sika deer pressure, moose may encounter increased competition for browse species, or even habitat encroachment as red deer are forced into less favorable areas.

This interaction highlights the unpredictable ecosystem effects of introduced species, where sika deer, despite their smaller size, can create indirect but significant ecological consequences that ripple through the larger herbivore community.

A Delicate Balance

The presence of multiple deer species in Europe, both native and introduced, has led to a complex and dynamic ecological landscape. While niche segregation and facilitation allow for some degree of coexistence, competition for resources and the potential for hybridisation pose significant challenges. As these deer species continue to interact, the balance of ecosystems may shift, with some native species potentially suffering as a result of competition and genetic dilution.

Understanding these interactions is crucial for managing deer populations and maintaining the health of Europe’s ecosystems. Through careful monitoring and conservation efforts, including reintroduction or recolonisation by carnivores, it may be possible to restore and maintain a balance between protecting native species and preventing irreparable damage to European ecosystems in a rapidly changing world.

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Uncovering Fossil Evidence in Europe

Scientists have uncovered fossil evidence that traces the snow leopard’s history far beyond its current range. A skull found in Manga Larga, Portugal, in the early 2000s suggests that these elusive felines once roamed across much of Europe during the Quaternary period, about 800,000 years ago. This discovery, far from the familiar landscape of the Tibetan Plateau, raises intriguing questions about the species’ evolutionary journey and its ability to adapt to varied and challenging environments.

While snow leopards are typically associated with steep, rocky slopes and cold, alpine ecosystems, this fossil evidence points to a much broader geographic presence in the past. Researchers now believe that snow leopards were not always restricted to high-altitude habitats, instead inhabiting a variety of ecosystems across Eurasia, from the frozen plateaus of Tibet to the temperate forests of Europe.

The Evolution of the Snow Leopard

The snow leopard’s current range is a reflection of millions of years of evolution, shaped by climatic shifts and changing landscapes. As a species, it is well adapted to the frigid, mountainous environments of its modern habitat, with thick fur and large paws that help it traverse snowy slopes with ease. However, the fossil evidence suggests that the snow leopard’s evolutionary path was far more dynamic.

During the Middle and Late Pleistocene, approximately 500,000 to 10,000 years ago, snow leopards underwent rapid adaptation in response to environmental shifts. As the climate cooled, these big cats adapted not only to colder temperatures but also to new prey species and diverse habitats. The fossil skull found in Portugal is part of a larger body of evidence indicating that snow leopards expanded across different regions during periods of environmental change.

Fossil records indicate that snow leopards once roamed regions far beyond their current habitat, likely due to the diverse topography available to them. These areas, characterised by rocky landscapes, allowed the species to thrive in conditions that offered both shelter and ample hunting opportunities. This discovery underscores the snow leopard’s adaptability to environmental shifts, suggesting that it was capable of surviving changing climates and landscapes throughout history.

A Changing Climate and the Snow Leopard’s Decline

Today, the snow leopard faces an entirely different kind of challenge. Climate change, driven by human activity, is altering the landscape of its remaining habitats. Rising temperatures threaten to shrink the snow leopard’s home range, pushing them into increasingly higher altitudes where prey is becoming scarcer and competition more fierce. These environmental pressures are compounded by human encroachment on the land, as development and farming expand into previously untouched areas.

The fossil evidence provides valuable insights into how the snow leopard may respond to these modern-day challenges. Just as the species adapted to climatic changes during the Pleistocene, researchers are hopeful that understanding the animal’s evolutionary history will aid in designing conservation strategies that help it survive in the face of current threats.

Implications for Conservation Efforts

Understanding the snow leopard’s evolutionary history is crucial for informing contemporary conservation efforts. By recognizing the species’ capacity for adaptation, scientists can develop more effective strategies for protecting the animal’s future. For example, ensuring that the snow leopard has access to a variety of habitats and prey species could help increase its chances of survival as climate change continues to impact its environment.

The snow leopard’s ability to thrive in a range of ecosystems, as evidenced by these ancient fossils, could inspire new approaches to habitat preservation. Efforts to restore landscapes outside the species’ current range may allow snow leopards to gradually move into new areas, expanding their territories in response to the challenges posed by global warming.

A Rich and Resilient Legacy

This study highlights that factors such as climate, prey availability, and, most notably, the landscape—especially mountainous regions—are key to snow leopard habitats, potentially more so than altitude. This understanding is crucial for developing effective strategies for the conservation of this iconic species.

The discovery of snow leopard fossils in Europe challenges long-standing assumptions about the species’ geographic limits and highlights its remarkable evolutionary resilience. While today’s snow leopard may seem inextricably tied to the mountains of Central Asia, its past tells a different story—one of adaptation, expansion, and survival across vast and varied landscapes.

As the snow leopard faces unprecedented challenges from climate change and human encroachment, understanding its evolutionary history will be key to ensuring its future. The fossilised remains of this extraordinary cat remind us that its survival has always depended on its ability to adapt to the ever-changing world around it. With continued research and conservation efforts, we may still be able to safeguard the future of the snow leopard, just as it has managed to endure through countless millennia.

Source:
Qigao Jiangzuo et al., Insights on the evolution and adaptation toward high-altitude and cold environments in the snow leopard lineage. Sci. Adv. 11, eadp5243(2025).DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adp5243

The post Snow Leopard Fossils in Europe Reveal Climate Resilience appeared first on Rewilding Academy.

A Comprehensive Resource for Ecosystem Restoration

The Global Ecosystems Atlas plays a pivotal role in advancing ecosystem restoration efforts worldwide. It equips a diverse range of stakeholders, including policymakers, environmental organizations, local communities, and businesses, with reliable, real-time data about ecosystems’ spatial distribution and health. This critical information is essential for identifying areas in need of restoration, planning targeted interventions, and tracking the progress of restoration initiatives.

By mapping ecosystems with unprecedented detail and precision, the Atlas helps stakeholders prioritise conservation efforts and ensure that restoration projects are implemented in the most effective and ecologically appropriate locations. It is a powerful tool for identifying degraded ecosystems, such as mangroves, wetlands, and forests, and provides the necessary data to guide efforts to revive these crucial habitats.

Supporting Global Conservation Efforts

At the core of the Global Ecosystems Atlas is its potential to support and accelerate global biodiversity conservation goals. With ecosystems around the world increasingly under threat from human activities, climate change, and habitat loss, the need for comprehensive and coordinated conservation strategies has never been more urgent.

The Atlas supports the integration of ecosystem data into environmental policy and economic planning, promoting a shift toward more sustainable land-use practices. It helps governments and private institutions align their policies with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other international frameworks, such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). By providing an accessible, up-to-date repository of ecosystem data, the Atlas facilitates informed decision-making, helping to ensure that biodiversity conservation is at the forefront of global efforts to tackle environmental challenges.

Enhancing Ecosystem Accounting and Restoration Targets

One of the Atlas’s standout features is its alignment with the United Nations System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) Ecosystem Accounting framework. This framework allows countries and organizations to account for the value of ecosystems, not just in terms of biodiversity, but also in relation to their contributions to the economy, human well-being, and climate regulation.

The integration of ecosystem accounting into national decision-making processes is a critical step in shifting towards a more sustainable and equitable global economy. By accounting for natural capital and incorporating ecosystem services into national accounting systems, countries can ensure that ecosystem restoration and conservation are prioritized alongside economic development. The Global Ecosystems Atlas plays a crucial role in this process by providing the data necessary for accurate and reliable ecosystem accounts, making it easier to measure progress toward restoration targets and align actions with global sustainability goals.

A Collaborative Effort for Ecosystem Protection

The development of the Global Ecosystems Atlas underscores the power of international collaboration in tackling the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Yana Gevorgyan, Director of the GEO Secretariat, highlighted the importance of working together to create a unified and comprehensive resource. “The launch of the Global Ecosystems Atlas proof-of-concept is a testament to perseverance and collaboration, showing that when we come together with intention and purpose, we can overcome obstacles and work towards transformative change,” said Gevorgyan.

The Atlas is a product of global collaboration among governments, environmental organizations, research institutions, and the private sector, with the collective goal of safeguarding ecosystems and promoting long-term ecological health. Its success depends on the continued collaboration of these stakeholders to ensure that data remains accurate, up-to-date, and widely accessible.

Empowering Local Communities and Indigenous Knowledge

While the Global Ecosystems Atlas is primarily designed to support policymakers and large organizations, it also has the potential to empower local and indigenous communities in ecosystem restoration efforts. These communities often have deep, place-based knowledge of the ecosystems in which they live, and the Atlas provides them with the tools to integrate scientific data with traditional knowledge.

By offering detailed data on the health and distribution of local ecosystems, the Atlas helps communities make informed decisions about land use, conservation strategies, and restoration practices. This approach enhances community engagement and ownership of restoration projects, ensuring that local knowledge and priorities are integrated into broader conservation efforts.

The Atlas is a valuable resource for ecosystem restoration projects led by indigenous groups, women, and local communities. By providing real-time data on ecosystems, it allows for more effective management of land and natural resources, supporting the development of sustainable livelihoods and the restoration of degraded ecosystems.

Real-Time Data for Adaptive Management

The integration of Earth observation technologies, artificial intelligence, and other advanced tools makes the Global Ecosystems Atlas a dynamic platform that can adapt to changing conditions. The ability to continually update the Atlas ensures that it remains an accurate, real-time resource that reflects the current state of ecosystems around the world.

This dynamic capability is essential for adaptive management in ecosystem restoration. As restoration efforts progress, the Atlas allows for the monitoring of ecosystem health, enabling stakeholders to adjust their strategies in response to emerging challenges. Whether it’s tracking changes in biodiversity, the success of reforestation campaigns, or the restoration of wetland ecosystems, the Atlas provides the data needed to guide restoration efforts toward success.

Addressing the Urgency of Ecosystem Restoration

The Global Ecosystems Atlas is a game-changing tool in the fight to restore and conserve ecosystems. With a comprehensive, harmonised, and accessible platform, it is poised to support a wide range of stakeholders in their efforts to protect biodiversity, restore degraded ecosystems, and integrate nature-based solutions into economic planning. As the world faces an unprecedented environmental crisis, the Atlas offers hope, providing the data and tools needed to inform restoration efforts and guide global conservation initiatives toward transformative change.

For the Rewilding Academy and other organisations dedicated to ecosystem restoration, the Global Ecosystems Atlas offers an invaluable resource in the quest to heal the planet’s ecosystems and create a more sustainable future for all.

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Presenting the Whitley Gold Award, the top honour, was Charity Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, in a poignant ceremony held at the Royal Geographical Society on 1st May. The occasion marked three decades since the inception of the Whitley Award and 25 years of HRH The Princess’ dedicated patronage.

Purnima founded the Hargila Army, becoming a beacon of hope for Assam’s endangered storks. Recognising the imminent threat faced by the majestic Hargila stork, she embarked on a mission to transform perceptions and safeguard their dwindling numbers.

The stork plays a crucial role in Assam’s wetlands, constituting over 15 percent of the state’s landmass. Unfortunately, wetlands are experiencing unprecedented degradation, disappearing at a rate three times faster than forests globally, as reported by the United Nations. These habitats serve as essential refuges for migratory birds and diverse wildlife species while also providing vital protection against the escalating threats of heavy monsoon flooding, especially in the face of unpredictable weather patterns due to climate change.

Stork Sisters

Utilising an innovative approach, Purnima rallied rural women, fondly known as the “stork sisters,” to champion the cause of Hargila conservation. Together, they not only protected nesting sites but also rehabilitated the stork’s image from a cultural taboo to a cherished emblem of local pride. Today, Purnima’s army of stork sisters spans 10,000 strong, transcending borders to encompass Bihar and Cambodia.

In the wake of her relentless advocacy, Purnima’s initiatives have yielded remarkable results, with nest numbers soaring from 27 to 250 in just over a decade. The project has safeguarded over 500 stork chicks, planted 45,000 saplings, and raised awareness through innovative campaigns, including baby showers and village-to-village visits.

With the Whitley Gold Award as her beacon, Purnima is poised to amplify her impact further, aiming to double the global stork population to 5,000 by 2030. Her ambitious agenda includes expanding conservation efforts, empowering women, and fostering collaborative networks to drive transformative change in biodiversity conservation.

Sir David Attenborough, an Ambassador for WFN and a steadfast advocate for conservation, emphasized that the expanding cohort of recipients embodies some of the globe’s most esteemed conservationists. He remarked, “Whitley Award winners combine knowing how to respond to crises yet also bring communities and wider audiences with them.”

Rewilding

Purnima’s involvement in the Rewilding Academy is instrumental in driving forward its mission of fostering ecological restoration and biodiversity conservation. With her extensive experience in community-driven conservation initiatives and her pioneering efforts in species recovery programs, she brings invaluable insights and expertise to the Academy’s educational programs.

As a champion of women’s empowerment and community engagement, Purnima plays a pivotal role in developing curriculum modules that emphasise the importance of local participation and sustainable development practices. Through her leadership and dedication, she inspires and empowers future conservation leaders to adopt innovative approaches in rewilding and ecosystem restoration, ensuring a brighter future for both people and wildlife.

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Researchers at Aarhus University reviewed 221 studies investigating the impact of native and non-native animals on plant communities, encompassing nearly 4000 land plots, concluding that nativeness did not shape megafauna impacts. Instead, functional traits are responsible. This study confirms that larger-bodied, bulk-feeding megafauna foster plant diversity, while smaller, more selective species tend to exert more negative effects on the abundance and distribution of plant species.

Systems thinking

While acknowledging the importance of megafauna’s role in plant diversity, it’s important to recognise the nuanced differences in interspecific and interbreed diet preferences, behaviour and habitat use, influencing vegetation development, structure and plant species composition, as well as facilitation and competition between herbivores.

In the context of using native species in conservation efforts, the precautionary principle guides decision-making to prioritise the use of native species over non-native or introduced species. This approach is based on the idea that native species have evolved within their ecosystems over time and are better adapted to their environments, reducing the risk of unintended ecological consequences compared to introducing non-native species.

Ecosystem approach

While the study focused on specific traits and their impact on plant communities, it did not consider broader ecological interactions or long-term ecosystem dynamics. Therefore, it could be considered reductionistic in its approach, as it isolated specific factors without fully considering the broader ecological context. A more holistic approach would involve considering a wider range of ecological variables and interactions to better understand the complexities of ecosystem functioning.

An ecosystem approach is an integrated way of managing natural resources that considers the entire ecosystem, including its biological, physical, and human components. This approach recognises the interconnectedness of all elements within an ecosystem and aims to sustainably manage resources while maintaining ecosystem health and biodiversity. It often involves interdisciplinary collaboration and takes into account ecological, social, and economic factors to achieve long-term environmental sustainability.

For more information about this study, please visit the website of Aarhus University.

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Green Heritage

In September 2023, the Dutch National Cultural Heritage Agency published a checklist highlighting endangered and vulnerable native trees and shrubs in the Netherlands, emphasizing the importance of preserving these vital components of biodiversity.

The checklist aims to draw the attention of land managers, government authorities, and environmental organizations to focus on safeguarding these threatened species within Dutch provinces, ultimately striving to sustain viable provincial populations of each listed species. The list underscores the critical role of wild (native) trees and shrubs in ancient woodlands and their interconnectedness with diverse ecosystems. It also highlights the importance of genetic diversity within populations and the risks associated with the dominance of cultivated trees.

Endangered wild trees and shrubs

Wild (native) trees and shrubs form the basis of biodiversity in ancient forests, hedgerows, hedges, and thickets. Forests with predominantly wild trees are referred to as “ancient woodland.” Trees and shrubs in these forest are the center of an extensive food web that has evolved around them. This represents native biodiversity, the result of ten thousand years of evolution in the lowlands.

Every tree or shrub species nurtures a complex network of organisms intricately linked to or reliant upon that specific botanical variety. The significance of ancient woodlands is further underscored by their forest floors, with biodiversity that is still uncharted and awaiting exploration.

In the Netherlands, around 100 native tree and shrub species have wild populations. Alarmingly, roughly half of these native species face the looming threat of extinction, with five species having already vanished across the nation.

It is estimated that about five locations with wild populations disappear in the country each year. Moreover, many local populations are (too) small and thus also threatened with extinction. Proper management of the remaining growth sites can reverse this trend and allow the populations of wild trees and shrubs in the Netherlands to grow again.

To identify the species at risk, Ecological Consulting Firm Maes, Wilde Bomen, and Landscape Management Flevoland, commissioned by the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (RCE), have prepared so-called “checklists” for each province. These lists provide an overview of the threatened wild populations of native tree and shrub species by province.

Genetic diversity is the engine of evolution

A wild population of trees or shrubs boasts significantly greater genetic diversity compared to planted counterparts. Planting, even with native material, tends to yield less variation. Genetic diversity within a population enhances its resilience to climate and environmental changes, enabling certain individuals to better adapt and thrive in new conditions. To achieve this, population size matters, as each member in a natural population possesses slight differences. High genetic diversity stands as a cornerstone for wild trees and shrubs, and even in smaller populations, preservation is vital, guided by the precautionary principle. It’s crucial to note that species extinction triggers the loss of numerous other organisms.

The trade predominantly selects common trees and shrubs based on attributes beneficial to humans, including straight trunks, rapid growth, larger fruits, beautiful flowers, and ornamental leaves. This selective process has led to the reduction of natural variation and adaptability, with such trees dominating 97% of Dutch forests.

Natural forests in the Netherlands are exceedingly rare. Wild trees and shrubs on ancient growth sites occupy less than 3% of the total forest and landscape area containing trees and shrubs in the country. Even in these areas, only a fraction of the surface hosts wild trees and shrubs. Planted trees originating from various sources, timber species, invasive exotic species, and garden and park plants, often spread by wind and birds, tend to prevail, even within old forests. Consequently, new planting with native plant material lacks the same ecological value as ancient natural forests.

New planting with native plant material does not have the same value as old natural forests.

Native versus wild/autochthonous

Most native tree and shrub species have a large natural distribution in Europe. However, significant genetic differences exist within the species throughout Europe. Therefore, a distinction is made between native (or wild) and non-native trees and shrubs among native species. A native tree is not only native as a species but also locally genetically native as an individual. A native tree is part of a population that has spontaneously established itself here since the last Ice Age.

Humans may have played a role in this to some extent, but the plant material must be traceable to native populations. Old traditional forestry practices such as coppicing and pollarding have contributed to the preservation of wild trees and shrubs.

Non-native trees have a different, often unknown, origin and have been planted or naturalised outside their native range. In that way, a tree or shrub can be native to the Netherlands but not autochthonous. In this case, the plant material comes from outside the Netherlands, and/or the tree grows outside its natural distribution area. Each tree species has a natural range, and outside that range, the tree or shrub species is not native. These ranges do not necessarily align with national borders. The term “native” is imprecise, has a different definition, and does not follow national borders.

More information

The checklist includes the most endangered native species in each province, the wild population of which is threatened or vulnerable. When managing old forest cores and hedgerows, it is advisable not only to “preserve” these trees and shrubs but also to tailor the management to all wild trees and shrubs present, including those not threatened.

The checklist can be found in Appendix 2 from the RCE report “Preservation of Green Heritage.”

Which forests and landscape elements are old? These sites are displayed on the Cultural Heritage Agency’s Landscape Green Heritage map.

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After only a few months, these reefs are already teeming with life. Algae, barnacles, mussels, bryozoans, ascidians, and anemones are covering the wood, and the amount of fish around the reefs is five times higher than on the adjacent sand.

Over the last century, natural reefs in the Wadden Sea and North Sea have vanished. These reefs are crucial for fish as they provide hiding and breeding spots. There is a pressing need to restore these reefs. How can we accomplish this? NIOZ has embarked on a research project to assess the ecological significance of TreeReefs, which are experimental reefs created by submerging trees underwater.

Why TreeReefs?

Placing trees at sea sounds a bit strange? And even if it’s feasible, why would you want to do it? To grasp the rationale behind this, let’s consider tropical reefs, as explained by Tjeerd Bouma, a researcher at NIOZ, a professor at Utrecht University, and a lecturer at HZ University of Applied Sciences in Vlissingen. Reefs often support a vibrant community of fish. A similar phenomenon occurs around shipwrecks in the North Sea. This illustrates the vital importance of providing fish with effective hiding places, shielding them from predators, according to Bouma.

But how does one go about restoring these reefs? Bouma drew inspiration from his cycling tours in Zuid-Beveland, an area teeming with orchards, leading to the concept of repurposing low-trunk fruit trees as TreeReefs. In the Netherlands, there are approximately 100,000 hectares of orchards. Each year, roughly 250 hectares are cleared for replanting. These discarded fruit trees represent a natural by-product, possessing their own intricate reef-like structures. Six pear trees together can form a pyramid-shaped reef measuring 3 by 3 meters.

In the past, before the era of dams and dikes, the Wadden Sea used to witness a more significant influx of washed-up trees. Hence, the idea doesn’t seem quite so unconventional after all.

A total of 192 pear trees were placed on the seabed of the Wadden Sea with concrete blocks at their base, resulting in 32 artificial reefs. The pear reefs are monitored with the help of cameras and during survey expeditions. They have now become breeding grounds for fish and shrimp. Ascidians and anemones have become ‘permanent residents’. The researchers hope that a natural reef will remain when the pear reefs have disappeared.

Restoration success

The initiative to restore reefs using pear trees appears to be a significant success. After sixteen months, substantial numbers of butterfish and literally thousands of cuttlefish eggs can be seen in the pear reef, according to Jon Dickson, a doctoral researcher at the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ).

This is hopeful news for the Wadden Sea. The established pear reefs help to restore a thriving marine ecosystem. Woodworms are already breaking down the wood, but it is expected that the reefs will persist for several more years. Ultimately, they will naturally disappear.

The swift positive outcome is inspiring because five years ago, alarm bells were already ringing about the state of the Wadden Sea. The project demonstrates that we can actively assist in restoring marine biodiversity. Not only the Wadden Sea can benefit from such innovative measures, but also the North Sea and even oceans, because natural structures like oyster reefs have disappeared on a large scale there as well.

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The EU Commission’s conclusion that member states had not done enough to halt species extinction and restore devastated ecosystems provided the impetus for this crucial legislation, urging “more decisive action.”

Aligned with the ambitious targets outlined in the European Green Deal, the bill requires EU member states to implement restoration measures to bring at least 30% of habitats in terrestrial, coastal, freshwater, and marine ecosystems into good condition by 2030. This commitment aims to reverse the alarming decline of Europe’s ecosystems and sets the stage for achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

The nature restoration law, proposed in June 2022, serves as a foundational pillar of the comprehensive EU Green Deal, a far-reaching package of policy initiatives designed to set the EU on a sustainable trajectory. Among its specific provisions, the legislation seeks to restore nature through measures such as the revitalization of drained peatlands, the expansion of green spaces in urban areas, and the enhancement of biodiversity in agricultural and forestry lands.

The proposal is the first major EU biodiversity law since the Habitats Directive in 1992 and follows the commitments made by the European Commission in the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 which calls for the recovery of high-quality and resilient ecosystems in the EU. 

The passage of this bill received significant support from activists and environmental advocates, with notable figures such as climate activist Greta Thunberg gathering at the European Parliament to rally behind the cause. Thunberg emphasized the importance of enacting the strongest possible legislation, stressing that anything less would be a “betrayal to future generations.” The widespread presence of protesters underscored the urgency and gravity of the situation, as citizens demand action to protect and restore the natural world.

Supporters of the law recognize its crucial role in accelerating efforts to safeguard and rejuvenate ecosystems. By enabling the survival and thriving of plants, animals, birds, and insects, the legislation will foster biodiversity, store carbon in the land, and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, it aims to ensure that humans can continue to benefit from the land through sustainable practices in areas such as food production and water quality.

While opponents of the bill expressed concerns about the capacity of member states to implement the proposed measures and the potential repurposing of agricultural land, the legislation’s supporters argue that these challenges can be overcome. They emphasize the importance of urgent and comprehensive action to protect the environment, and assert that the benefits of restoring nature will ultimately outweigh any short-term adjustments that need to be made.

The passage of this groundbreaking legislation by the EU serves as a clear signal to the international community of the union’s commitment to combatting climate change and protecting biodiversity. It sets an inspiring example for nations worldwide, demonstrating that effective environmental stewardship and sustainable land use are not only necessary but also achievable goals.

With the new law in place, the EU stands poised to lead the way in building a greener and more resilient future for generations to come.

More information: Nature Restoration Law

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Most research to date on these two problems has concentrated on protecting or restoring soils and vegetation, ignoring the potential impact that large wild animals may have on ecosystems’ capacity to mitigate climate change and adapt to it. The conservation of large animals and the fight against climate change may not always work well together, though.

In a publication in Current Biology, researchers discuss protecting animals and reducing climate change in land and marine environments. They clarify broad concepts regarding the types of biomes where and how positive and negative synergy between wildlife protection and climate change mitigation are likely to occur.

The article reviews existing research on the topic and identifies three main mechanisms by which large animals can contribute to climate change mitigation:

1. Changes in fire regime, particularly in formerly low-flammability biomes with a new or intensifying fire regime, like mesic grasslands or warm temperate woodlands;
2. Changes in terrestrial albedo, particularly where there is potential to shift from closed canopy to open canopy systems at higher latitudes; and
3. Increases in vegetation and animal populations.

The authors also note that large animals can promote ecosystem adaptation to climate change by promoting complexity of trophic webs, increasing habitat heterogeneity, enhancing plant dispersal, increasing resistance to abrupt ecosystem change and through microclimate modification.

The authors argue that conservation and restoration of large wild animals (important aspects of rewilding) should be considered as a potential strategy for addressing both climate change and biodiversity decline.

Source: Current Biology
Featured image: Keitti Järv / Scop.io

Enroll in the “Animal Behaviour in Conservation” course to learn how protecting large animals can help address climate change and biodiversity loss.

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UNEP received a record 2,200 nominations from around the world this year. Dr. Purnima Devi Barman was selected because of her transformative action to prevent, halt and reverse ecosystem degradation. She founded the “Hargila Army”, an all-female grassroots conservation movement dedicated to protecting the Greater Adjutant Stork from extinction. This is one of the rarest of stork species, locally called ‘Hargila’ in Assamese.

There are only 1,200-odd hargilas remaining in the world and the species is listed as ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List. In India, the birds are found in Assam and Bihar. Assam is home to the largest population – around 1,000 individuals – of these birds, according to Purnima.

Next to protection of trees and wetlands, the women of the Hargila Army create and sell textiles with motifs of the bird, helping to raise awareness about the species while building their own financial independence.

Purnima was only a child when she developed an affinity for the stork, a bird that was to become her life’s passion. After gaining a Master’s degree in zoology, Barman started a PhD on the greater adjutant stork. But, seeing that many of the birds she had grown up with were no more, she decided to delay her thesis to focus on keeping the species alive. Purnima is currently also a programme manager for the Rewilding Academy, developing large scale ecosystem restoration and agroforestry programmes to help even more communities through nature-based solutions.

Since its inception in 2005, the annual Champions of the Earth award has been awarded to trailblazers at the forefront of efforts to protect our natural world. To date, the award has recognized 111 laureates: 26 world leaders, 69 individuals and 16 organizations.

“Healthy, functional ecosystems are critical to preventing the climate emergency and loss of biodiversity from causing irreversible damage to our planet. This year’s Champions of the Earth give us hope that our relationship with nature can be repaired,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP. “This year’s Champions demonstrate how reviving ecosystems and supporting nature’s remarkable capacity for regeneration is everyone’s job: governments, the private sector, scientists, communities, NGOs and individuals.”

The other 4 UNEP’s 2022 Champions of the Earth are:

• Arcenciel (Lebanon), honoured in the Inspiration and Action category, is a leading environmental enterprise whose work to create a cleaner, healthier environment has laid the foundation for the country’s national waste management strategy. Today, arcenciel recycles more than 80 per cent of Lebanon’s potentially infectious hospital waste every year.
• Constantino (Tino) Aucca Chutas (Peru), also honoured in the Inspiration and Action category, has pioneered a community reforestation model driven by local and Indigenous communities, which has led to three million trees being planted in the country. He is also leading ambitious reforestation efforts in other Andean countries.
• Sir Partha Dasgupta (United Kingdom), honoured in the Science and Innovation category, is an eminent economist whose landmark review on the economics of biodiversity calls for a fundamental rethink of humanity’s relationship with the natural world to prevent critical ecosystems from reaching dangerous tipping points.
• Cécile Bibiane Ndjebet (Cameroon), honoured in the Inspiration and Action category, is a tireless advocate for the rights of women in Africa to secure land tenure, which is essential if they are to play a role in restoring ecosystems, fighting poverty and mitigating climate change. She is also leading efforts to influence policy on gender equality in forest management across 20 African countries.

Following the launch of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030), this year’s awards shine a spotlight on efforts to prevent, halt and reverse ecosystem degradation globally.

Ecosystems on every continent and in every ocean face massive threats. Every year, the planet loses forest cover equivalent to the size of Portugal. Oceans are being overfished and polluted, with 11 million tonnes of plastic alone ending up in marine environments annually. One million species are at risk of extinction as their habitats disappear or become polluted.

Ecosystem restoration is essential for keeping global warming below 2°C and helping societies and economies to adapt to climate change. It is also crucial to fighting hunger: restoration through agroforestry alone has the potential to increase food security for 1.3 billion people. Restoring just 15 per cent of converted lands could reduce the risk of species extinction by 60 per cent. Ecosystem restoration will only succeed if everyone joins the #GenerationRestoration movement.

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In a new article, a scientists warn about the ongoing collapse of global insect populations.

Published in Ecological Monographs, the article delves into potential explanations for the decline of insects, including as habitat loss and fragmentation, lethal new pesticides, climate change and extreme weather events, destructive wildfires, among others. 

The article also assesses the ecological impacts of insect declines – for instance, on the many species of plants that require insects for pollination, or the diversity of animals that feeds on insects.  

Climate change is one of the most important anthropogenic pressures on the environment. The accompanying effects could be very negative, especially in terms of threats to the survival of species and a variety of ecological services that biodiversity provides.

Insects, which are essential parts of many ecosystems, are a group of species most impacted by climate change, with effects ranging from individuals, populations and species to entire insect communities. The researchers discuss the impact of the progressive rise in global surface temperature on insects in terms of physiology, behavior, phenology, distribution, and species relationships in a special scientists’ warning series.

The scientists caution that if steps are not taken to better understand and mitigate the impact of climate change on insects, we will significantly diminish our capacity to create a sustainable future based on healthy, functional ecosystems.

The article examines viewpoints on pertinent approaches to protecting insects from climate change and provide various important recommendations on management practices that might be applied, regulations that should be pursued, and the involvement of the public and restoration and conservation efforts.

Source: Ecological Monographs

Photo credits: Kiran Rawal, Luciano Andres Richino

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