Rewilding: The Radical New Science of Ecological Recovery

Rewilding is a trendy but controversial conservation philosophy that can mean different things in different ecological contexts, from re-wolving the ecosystem of Yellowstone National Park to letting cheetahs chase pronghorns in the Southwest United States. For rewilding consultants Jepson and Blythe, it represents the beginning of a paradigm shift in conservation science and practice, particularly its emphasis on megafauna and grasslands. Beginning with a discussion of the scientific theories and principles underpinning rewilding, the authors examine how it differs from other approaches to conservation as well as the difficulties in getting various stakeholders—such as the media and the public—to accept rewilding’s more radical conservation agendas. While some critics see rewilding as a repackaging of established conservation ideas, the authors hope that rewilding science can help solve some of the biggest challenges facing the planet, including climate change.