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The Eurasian beaver, European bison and White-headed duck have all been highlighted as species that have made a comeback in Europe according to a new report released today.
The ‘Wildlife Comeback in Europe’ report, commissioned by Rewilding Europe, brings together scientists from the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), BirdLife International and the European Bird Census Council to identify iconic mammals and birds that have increased in numbers, and in some cases have made a recent return to Europe.
Professor Jonathan Baillie, ZSL’s Director of Conservation says: “Wildlife comeback is going to bring with it major benefits, by reconnecting people with nature and increasing wellbeing, by contributing to local and national economies as well as rural development through wildlife tourism, and by restoring balance to the natural processes of ecosystems. Putting these opportunities into a local context is vital for sustainability and to mitigate any potential conflict with people.”
The study’s main goal is to generate a science-based overview of how and why species have shown comeback in abundance and distribution during the period 1960-2010. This can provide important lessons for future conservation of these and other species.
The European bison is one mammal which has made a comeback. The largest herbivore in Europe, the bison went extinct in the wild in the early 20th century due to severe hunting pressure and habitat loss. After a large-scale breeding and reintroduction programme based on the small number of individuals remaining in captivity, wild, free-living populations have been re-established in areas of central and eastern Europe, with a stronghold in Poland and Belarus.
Similarly, the second largest predator in Europe after the Polar bear, the Brown bear has increased in numbers in Finland, Sweden and Latvia. This charismatic species has benefitted from legal protection but its future persistence depends heavily on being accepted by the people who live in close proximity.
To facilitate the continuing and long-term recovery of wildlife in Europe, it is important to recognise that some species need large areas of suitable habitat for survival and ensure that this need is met. Whilst some issues may arise from an increasing interaction between wildlife and people, a functioning European landscape for both humans and nature can only be created if these are understood and successfully mitigated.
Despite the return of some European birds and mammals, many other species remain at risk. Furthermore, the results of this report have to be viewed in the context of large historical range declines. In some instances, such as with carnivores like Eurasian lynx and Grey wolf, and many bird species, ranges and abundances had already declined dramatically from historical distributions by the mid-20th century. Wildlife resurgence therefore has to be assessed cautiously, as many species have not yet reached the level necessary to secure viable populations in the long term.
The case studies of wildlife comeback in this report supports decades of conservation efforts in Europe. Sound legislation such as the Birds and Habitats Directives have led to better hunting regulation, species and site protection and focusing of conservation investments. They show that with sufficient resources and appropriate efforts, species can be brought back, even from the brink of extinction.
