When to rewild? Framing rewilding in the contexts of science, culture and decision making

Abstract

Rewilding as an approach to conservation has gained considerable ground in recent years both in terms of interest and practice. However, in an ever-expanding literature it is apparent that rewilding is a polysemic concept [1], posing a number of challenges to its utilisation for biodiversity conservation. Conversely, it is recognised that this varied nature may also offer specific opportunities [2]. Attempts to develop a singular definition of rewilding may, therefore, be neither practicable or desirable at present. Where does this leave rewilding in terms of acceptance and understanding from different stakeholder groups, including scientists, the public, and policy and decision makers? Through a comprehensive review of the literature, this research identifies underlying themes common to different definitions of rewilding. These themes are then utilised to consider the opportunities and challenges that rewilding presents to different stakeholders. From this analysis a simple set of criteria are developed as a suggested starting point to aid the identification of situations in which rewilding may be an appropriate response to specific conservation needs. In so doing, consideration is given to how these criteria may begin to conceptually frame rewilding without limiting its meaning, and so support the wider understanding of this still-developing concept and its role as an approach to biodiversity conservation.

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