Restoring nature's backbone
2006
Restoring Nature's Backbone
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Henry Nicholls
Hypothesis
Is it feasible to introduce contemporary species to fulfill the ecological role of species that went extinct thousands of years ago (rewilding) and can it work as an effective conservation strategy?
Conclusion
Rewilding can increase biodiversity and bioproductivity in ecosystems.
Supporting Evidence
- Rewilding can help restore ecological processes that have been lost.
- Large vertebrates are important for maintaining and generating biodiversity.
- Introducing species can help repair broken evolutionary links in ecosystems.
Takeaway
Scientists are trying to bring back animals that used to live in certain areas to help the environment and make it healthier.
Limitations
There are substantial biological, social, and economic hurdles to clear for rewilding to be successful.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website