Rewilding: Giving Nature a Second Chance

Drake, Jane and Ann Love. Rewilding: Giving Nature a Second Chance. 2017. 88p. ISBN 978-1-55451-961-3. Available at 639.9 DRA on the library shelves.

Humans have not been a boon to the environment. During our history we have caused mass extinction and wrought hectic climate changes. Animals that used to roam freely in expansive plains or dwell in forests larger than many countries now find themselves concentrated in small preserves, stuck in zoos, or endangered due to the lost of habitat. Plants that used to dot the landscape are plowed under or destroyed by human activity. Belatedly, we realized that along with causing this destruction, we could attempt to engineer our way out by rewilding both areas and animals.

The concept of rewilding is simple. It involves recreating habitats to their optimum natural state so that the animals and plants that live there have a fighting chance at remaining wild and live their lives. Throughout the world, there are several important efforts at rewilding areas, not only out in the wilderness, but even in cities. Success stories, such as the resurgent eagle population and the growing wolf presence in Yellowstone suggest that more could be done to help endangered species. Rewilding can help humans prevent more animals and plants going extinct and preserve the biodiversity that ultimately keep us and our planet alive.