In a world where so many of our animal species are facing declining numbers, the 2022 Wildlife Comeback in Europe report throws a positive spotlight on animals that have managed to adapt and recover given the right conditions. By studying the success of these animal populations, transferrable conservation strategies can be learnt from their resilient examples.

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL), Birdlife International and the European Bird Census Council reviewed the abundance and outlook of 50 animals across Europe based on available data. This year’s report is an expansion on the species reviewed in 2013 with the addition of six mammals, six birds and one reptile (a turtle) to the list. As the report focuses solely on positive trends in abundance numbers and range change, this list expansion is already a promising development.

Excitingly, larger animals like the European bison, brown bear, wolverine, grey wolf, Iberian and Eurasian lynxes and, largest of all, the humpback whale featured in the report.

The best performing mammal, however, was a little smaller in size. The Eurasian beaver recorded an 835% increase in distribution since 1955 and increases in abundance of over 16,000% since 1960. The beaver comeback, like so many of the species featured, was made possible with the help of legal protections against hunting, as well as various reintroductions and translocation conservation efforts undertaken over many years.

Not only is the revival in numbers exciting for these species, but their growth also plays an essential role in habitat maintenance and broader ecosystem health. Wildlife recovery provides a range of benefits like seed dispersal, nutrient excretion into the sea, dams to support wetland creation to attract new bird and fish species and much more.

The rejuvenation of ecosystems can bring challenges where larger carnivores can be seen as a threat. However, through proper management, education and compensation for livestock losses, humans and wildlife can successfully coexist, as seen with the grey wolf. In some areas, growing wildlife can even result in the growth of rural economies through the creation of wildlife tourism.

Sophie Ledger, lead author from ZSL said the report gave cause for optimism and shows that given a chance, and with well-placed conservation efforts, wildlife can recover.

“ZSL’s hope is that this report will reinforce the message that whilst it can be complex, wildlife recovery and coexistence is not only possible, but essential for the health of our planet,” said Ledger.

Planet Ark has followed and supported successful rewilding habitat efforts in Australia since the first National Tree Day planting in 1996. Sustained efforts by dedicated local nature care groups have seen the successful growth of many habitats and their wildlife populations locally. Here are just a few examples.

Australian habitat recovery stories

·      Native browsing for Australia’s tree-dwelling wildlife

·      Australian wetland restored after two centuries of depletion

·      Reforesting koala habitat with recycled water

Planet Ark does not take responsibility for the accuracy of the original information and encourages readers to check the references before using this information for their own purposes.