Wilder takes readers on a global rewilding journey, exploring
innovative and eye-opening projects led by a diverse group of passionate
conservationists.
Rewilding is a radical new approach to wildlife conservation that offers
remarkable potential. If conservation seeks to preserve what remains and
stave off further decline, rewilding goes further, seeking to restore
entire ecosystems. It involves a spectrum of conservation options; at
one end is a 'passive' approach prioritising ecological restoration - in
essence, leaving land to recover naturally. At the other is what might
be termed 'active' rewilding, where habitats are actively restored and
keystone species reintroduced to quicken the process of recovery. The
stakes are high in active rewilding. Large mammal translocations and
wildlife corridors running through densely populated areas are
high-risk, high-reward initiatives.
In this timely and exciting contribution to a wider conversation about
our relationship with the natural world, wildlife journalist Millie Kerr
takes readers on a global journey of discovery. She considers the
practicalities and possibilities of ecological restoration around the
world, while exploring first-hand some of the most ambitious
undertakings occurring today, many of which involve species
reintroductions in the Global South. Wilder details the return of
jaguars to an Argentinian national park, the first-ever pangolin
reintroduction project in South Africa, and the ways in which giant
tortoises are aiding the recovery of ecosystems throughout the Galápagos
Islands, among many others.
At an urgent moment in the international fight against biodiversity
loss, Wilder's message is one of innovation and optimism. By focusing
on conservation success stories and showing that there are bands of
determined conservationists fighting for a better future, Wilder
inspires us all to become part of the solution.
