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Table of Contents
Introduction
Introduction
Scientists believe we need to protect at least 50% of the planet's wild habitats in order for life on Earth to function effectively.
"Protected areas are defined geographical spaces which are managed in order to ensure their long term conservation, providing us with invaluable ecosystem services and cultural values. They are vital to preserving biodiversity and human livelihoods and also provide us with solutions to modern challenges such as food and water security, human health and well-being, disaster risk reduction and climate change. Today, there are approximately 200,000 protected areas in the world, which cover around 14.6% of the world’s land and 2.8% of its oceans." - https://www.iucn.org/regions/europe/our-work/biodiversity-conservation/natura-2000-europes-protected-areas-network
According to one study published in the journal Ecography, "... reintroducing just 20 large mammals — 13 herbivore and seven predator species — can help biodiversity bounce back around the world and tackle climate change in the process. Among these candidates for rewilding are brown bears, bison, wild horses, jaguars, reindeer, Eurasian beavers, elk, moose, wolverines, tigers, and hippopotamuses.
The researchers also identify 30 priority ecoregions on five continents that meet key criteria: They lack no more than one to three of the large herbivores and predators historically present, provide extensive habitat, and can feasibly be restored in the coming decade. These areas range from the flooded grasslands of South Sudan and the dry puna of the Central Andes to the xeric grasslands and shrublands of the Chihuahuan Desert, where intact communities of large mammals could be restored in the next five to 10 years, the scientists say." - https://e360.yale.edu/features/large-mammals-rewilding-carbon-climate-change
"Rewilding is a progressive approach to conservation. It’s about letting nature take care of itself, enabling natural processes to shape land and sea, repair damaged ecosystems and restore degraded landscapes. Through rewilding, wildlife’s natural rhythms create wilder, more biodiverse habitats." - https://rewildingeurope.com/what-is-rewilding-2/
According to the article below "In the past two or three decades, research has underscored the importance of large mammals like bison as ecosystem engineers, shaping and maintaining natural processes and sequestering large amounts of carbon. But the world’s large herbivores and predators continue to suffer alarming losses. Researchers estimate that almost two-thirds of the world’s large carnivores are threatened with extinction. Fewer than 6 percent of 730 ecoregions worldwide studied by scientists still have the extensive, intact large-mammal communities that were dominant 500 years ago."
Between 2000 and 2015, 20% of the global landmass became degraded, but restoring our landscapes could contribute to over 1/3rd of the total climate mitigation goal by 2030, and restoring 15%of converted land could help us avoid 60% of expected extinctions. - http://restoreyourcommunity.org/
For Educators
For Educators
Maps of Priority Areas
Maps of Priority Areas
Types of Habitat
Types of Habitat
Click the buttons below to learn more about these biomes, what threatens them, as well as what we can do to protect and restore them.
The Sahel
The Sahel
Major Problems & Pitfalls
Major Problems & Pitfalls
This sections talks about problems facing our rewilding efforts (for example, studies have found that more money goes into destructive subsidies that spur deforestation and overfishing, vs the tiny fraction of funding that goes to conservation), as well as mistakes made in previous rewilding attempts. By addressing these issues, we can ensure that any efforts have an increased chance of success.
Deforestation & Replacement of Forests or Other Important Biomes with Monoculture, Often Non-Native, Invasive Trees
Deforestation & Replacement of Forests or Other Important Biomes with Monoculture, Often Non-Native, Invasive Trees
"In 2010, the world had 3.92Gha of tree cover, extending over 30% of its land area. In 2020, it lost 25.8Mha of tree cover."
"From 2002 to 2020, there was a total of 64.7Mha humid primary forest lost globally, making up 16% of its total tree cover loss in the same time period. Total area of humid primary forest decreased globally by 6.3% in this time period."
"From 2001 to 2020, there was a total of 411Mha of tree cover loss globally, equivalent to a 10% decrease in tree cover since 2000 and 165Gt of CO₂ emissions."
"Globally from 2001 to 2019, 27% of tree cover loss occurred in areas where the dominant drivers of loss resulted in deforestation." - https://www.globalforestwatch.org
Protected Area Downgrading, Downsizing, & Degazettement (PADDD)
Protected Area Downgrading, Downsizing, & Degazettement (PADDD)
"We think of national parks and other protected areas as permanent fixtures on the landscape, but they are not necessarily permanent. Research reveals widespread legal changes to protected areas that temper restrictions (downgrade), shrink boundaries (downsize), or eliminate protections completely (degazette). As restrictions are scaled back, the natural benefits and values within the areas can also be lost. Although scaling back protections does not necessarily undermine conservation, most changes globally are related to industrial-scale resource extraction and development, land uses inconsistent with conservation objectives."
"Protected areas are widely considered the cornerstone of conservation. But laws governing protected lands and waters are increasingly being altered around the world – restrictions are relaxed, boundaries shrunk, and sites are eliminated entirely."
"Between 1892 and 2020, 74 countries enacted more than 4,400 PADDD events, affecting an area nearly the size of India. Between 1944 and 2019, 26 countries proposed more than 1,100 PADDD events.
Most (61% of) enacted PADDD events globally are related to industrial-scale resource extraction and development, including infrastructure, industrial agriculture, oil and gas, and mining.
Rollbacks to protected areas appear to be increasing – most events (77%) were enacted since the year 2000
The United States and Brazil are emerging hotspots of PADDD." - https://www.padddtracker.org/
Fortress Conservation
Fortress Conservation
Fortress conservation "is “the idea that to protect forests and biodiversity, ecosystems need to function in isolation, devoid of people,” the Rapporteur told the Guardian. “This model - favoured by governments for over a century - ignores the growing body of evidence that forests thrive when Indigenous Peoples remain on their customary lands and have legally recognised rights to manage and protect them.”"
Poaching and Destructive Techniques
Poaching and Destructive Techniques
Poachers Leave traps all over forest floors. In aquatic ecosystems poachers use explosives, cyanide, and other damaging methods to take fish and corals.
Lack of Will/Awareness Means Poaching Goes Unreported
Lack of Will/Awareness Means Poaching Goes Unreported
This page about the poaching faced by tidal pools cautions the public, "Tidepooling can be a safe and enjoyable outdoor activity that allows visitors to connect with nature while still maintaining a physical distance from others. However, to minimize impact on tidepools and the marine organisms and wildlife WILDCOAST is making the following recommendations to Protect our Tidepools: 1) be aware of stepping on on anything that’s alive, 2) avoid turning over rocks to investigate further- turning over rocks results in disrupting and redecorating an organism’s home, 3) leave all animals where they are; and 4) do not take anything home."
Resources
Resources
The following resources bellow are written for Oregon, so the contact information will only be useful for people in Oregon. Otherwise you should contact your local Wildlife Warden, the police, or whoever has jurisdiction over wildlife crime in your area.
Organizations
Organizations
Coastal Guardian Watchmen (Canada) "provide a regional stewardship focus, each Nation monitors and stewards its own territory, carrying on its unique stewardship traditions."
Lack of Connectivity is Deadly
Lack of Connectivity is Deadly
When populations are cut off from others, genetic diversity suffers, making animals more prone to inbreeding, poor immunities, and disease. When animals venture from safe areas, interactions with humans or vehicles can be deadly. Animals can become disoriented by our noise and light pollution. When the animals enter human areas, they are at increase risk of collisions with windows, powerlines, straying into farmland where they are often persecuted, and accidental or intentional poisonings.
Introducing too many herbivores without apex predators to maintain healthy populations
Introducing too many herbivores without apex predators to maintain healthy populations
Traps & Explosives in Ecosystems
Traps & Explosives in Ecosystems
Traps are left in the wild by hunters, the fishing industry and poachers alike. Explosives have been left during wars or even by Wildlife Management organizations who leave deadly traps such as cyanide bombs which unfortunately kill endangered animals, children, and pets instead of the intended target animals.
Crab Trap Removal Program Spans Two Decades "Abandoned traps can cause problems for fish and anglers."
Derelict Trap Removal Programs
Derelict Trap Removal Programs
USA
Florida's Spiny Lobster, Stone Crab and Blue Crab Trap Retrieval Program
Texas Coast Crab Trap Removal Program "To participate, volunteers may pick up free tarps, gloves, face coverings and additional information at their local TPWD Coastal Fisheries field stations. TPWD requests that volunteers who remove traps record and submit information about the number of traps they collect as well as document any sightings of diamondback terrapins."
Tree Planting Scams Kill Public Trust
Tree Planting Scams Kill Public Trust
Tree-Planting Scams & Deceptions (Brief Version) © Michael Thau of Plant-It 2020 (PDF) "Individual contributors and businesses are unaware of the many scams and deceptions within the nonprofit tree-planting industry. While some tree-planting organizations are strictly 'quality-focused' others may be engaging in activities and communications that are dishonest, deceptive and immoral. This article will present an industry insider’s view regarding some of the ways in which some nonprofit tree-planting organizations may be running scams and deceiving their contributors. Readers will learn what red flags to look for, what questions to ask before making a contribution and how to properly select a treeplanting organization that best meet your needs."
The best tree-planting schemes are generally smaller, well planned, and close enough to people that the trees can be properly cared for. This means smaller, community or schoolyard plantings often have the most success. Click the Trees button to learn where you or your group can get affordable or free trees for your planting project. Some organizations listed help fund plantings in poor areas, giving students and communities the opportunity to plant life-changing trees in their own area.
Examples of Success
Examples of Success
Extinction Reversal with Breeding Programs
Extinction Reversal with Breeding Programs
Historic Reintroduction Reverses Extinction of England’s Rarest Frog
"The northern pool frog, England’s rarest amphibian, has been successfully reintroduced to Thompson Common in Norfolk – reversing its disappearance from there in the 1990s. Thompson Common was the last site at which this species occurred prior to its extinction from England.
Staff from Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) released more than 300 tadpoles into the reserve's pingos, post-glacial pools which offer the perfect habitat for the creatures. The tadpoles had been reared in captivity, away from predators, to increase the numbers of young frogs that survive through the tadpole stage."
"“The northern pool frog is very different from the common frog, which is the other native species of frog that we have in Britain. They look and behave differently – and they call loudly. Also, they lay fewer eggs, so they're much more vulnerable. A common frog can produce around 2,000 eggs, whereas a pool frog produces only about 500 or so."
Revitalizing Damaged Ecosystems
Revitalizing Damaged Ecosystems
Aquatic Ecosystems
Aquatic Ecosystems
Click the Aquatic button to learn about methods and organization currently helping to restore and revitalize aquatic eco-systems.
Waterways & Wetlands
Waterways & Wetlands
Beavers recreating wetlands more cheaply and effectively than humans. They boost biodiversity, reduce fire risk and intensity, create spawning areas for species including salmon, reduce flooding while improving ground water resources. Click the Beaver button to learn more.
Prime Locations to Work
Prime Locations to Work
Places Which are at High Risk of Biodiversity Loss
Places Which are at High Risk of Biodiversity Loss
These places first need to be given legal protections and to be protected from retrograding , then serious efforts need to be made the halt and reverse biodiversity loss. To help pinpoint these areas we have gathered the following maps and data of different regions.
Farmland
Farmland
On a farmland, even the lone tree in a field can act as an island for migratory birds, while wildflower strips and riparian zones can act as wildlife corridors, as well as fulfilling many other biological needs.
Gardens
Gardens
For spaces that have already been impacted by farming and urbanization, gardening is another way pretty much anyone can help. Even if you only have a small balcony or alleyway, you can help contribute via wildlife gardening.
Schools, businesses, and other larger groups can also get involved. Raised beds can be created for gardeners with limited mobility to care for plants that can support wildlife.
Global
Global
Biodiversity Loss Breaching Safe Limits Worldwide (article and map from the Natural History Museum) "The loss of species diversity has reached unsafe levels across 58% of the world's land surface, according to a new assessment led by Museum scientists."
To Protect the World’s Wildlife We Must Improve Crop Yields – Especially Across Africa "Habitat loss is the biggest threat to the world’s animals. Without improvements in crop yields, thousands of species could see much of their habitat lost to farmland." Includes maps and graphs."
Africa
Africa
Biodiversity and Protected Areas in West Africa Downloadable map in French. "The protected areas map was compiled from the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA) (IUCN AND UNEP-WCMC, 2016). However, the WDPA database is not complete and some protected areas are not listed or are missing spatial data. Other sources were consulted in order to present an accurate and up-to-date protected areas map. Protected areas under the “Proposed” status were not included unless other sources stated they had been formally designated. Hunting zones were not included because they do not offer the level of protection inherent in other categories of protected areas." Scroll down on the page to see the Elephant, Lion, and Chimpanzee maps.
Mapping Africa’s Biodiversity: More of the Same Is Just Not Good Enough Study includes chart and maps distinguishing amphibian, mammal, and bird populations across Africa.
The Regional Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services For Africa (PDF) "The objective of the Intergovernmental Science Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services is to provide Governments, the private sector, and civil society with scientifically credible and independent up-to-date assessments of available knowledge to make informed decisions at the local, regional and international levels." Includes maps and graphs.
The State of Biodiversity in Africa (2016 PDF) "A Mid-Term Review of Progress Towards the Aichi Biodiversity Targets"
To Protect the World’s Wildlife We Must Improve Crop Yields – Especially Across Africa "Habitat loss is the biggest threat to the world’s animals. Without improvements in crop yields, thousands of species could see much of their habitat lost to farmland." Includes maps and graphs.
The Use of Traditional and Modern Tools for Monitoring Wetlands Biodiversity in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities includes maps.
North America
North America
USA
USA
General
Rewilding the American West study includes maps of areas that would have a major impact if protected and rewilded.
This Map Shows Where Biodiversity Is Most at Risk in America
Wolves
A Comprehensive Assessment of Red Wolf Reintroduction Sites (PDF) includes multiple maps including the historic range, maps of suggested park areas suggested by conservation specialists, as well as maps exploring the resources and threats associated with each area. These included topics such as hunting levels, dear population density, etc.
Green Belts and Greenways
Green Belts and Greenways
These are already established in many places around the world, but more are being planned, or are in need of being created. Conservation organizations, politicians, communities, and farmers can benefit greatly from these areas which can absorb flooding, provide safe outside space for humans, while allowing wilderness safe passage in places that might otherwise become urbanized. Some of these projects are designed specifically with the reduction of reducing heat islands and cleaning air, while other's are intended to boost employment, fend of desertification, and provide safe water for agricultural communities.
Click the button to learn more about existing greenways around the world, as well as organizations that focus on creating and conserving these special places.
Migratory Routes
Migratory Routes
These are long swathes of land, sea, oceans, and lakes, meaning that more places along these routes for wildlife to rest and refuel safely is more important than ever.
Reservations
Reservations
Many reservations are already working on rewilding and revitalizing damaged lands. Indigenous communities around the world are taking charge of their future's by implementing breeding and release programs, rewilding, and other vital projects for future generations to enjoy.
Bison Reintroduction
Bison Reintroduction
Wood Bison Restoration in Alaska: Status of the Herd Updates includes photos, population charts, and maps from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Tribes manage at least 55 bison herds across 19 states, according to Troy Heinert, executive director of the InterTribal Buffalo Council.
Highly Threatened Species
Highly Threatened Species
Muskox
Muskox
The Last Muskox in Sweden are Dying Out - Here's How We Can Help 19:26 minute video
Indicators & Useful Concepts
Indicators & Useful Concepts
Indicator Species
Indicator Species
Indicator species give important information about an ecosystem simply by being present or not. Their presence may indicate temperatures, soil/water/air quality. Their plumage, fur, petal, or leaf colours may indicate certain levels of acidity or the presence/disappearance of nutritious food sources. Disappearance of species like fireflies may indicate the presence of pesticides, light pollution, ecocidal gardening practices (like leaf-blower use), or frequent trampling/harvesting by humans.
Edge Effect
Edge Effect
This phenomenon of increased biodiversity at the intersecting borders of one of more ecosystem can have both positive and negative effects on ecosystems. Some natural examples include shorelines where seabirds and land animals can benefit from aquatic food sources, or how some birds prefer to nest along the edges of forests and grasslands. However negative examples might include sunlight breaking through the forest's edge, causing drying in the interior, or how man-made paths/roads can bring unwanted invasive plants or predators to delicate ecosystems.
A simple way to boost biodiversity on an unwanted yard, is to create different systems with uneven and overlapping boundaries. For example a stone wall bordering a pollinator garden, with a rock garden, a small planting of trees, and a wildlife-friendly water source. Each section increasing the availability of food, shelter, sunning locations, and nesting materials for a variety of species.
Tools
Tools
Bee Score: Flower Finder "Select the flowers you have in your garden, then hit continue to find out your current bee kind score. If you’re not sure exactly which plants you have, try clicking the filters on and off to help identify the bee-friendly flowers in your garden." This is hosted by and for UK residents, so you won't get a bonus for "native species" if you live outside the UK, and might see your local natives listed as "non-native" or get an "invasive penalty" even if those plants are fine where you live, but this is still a fun and educational resource.
Restore Your Community This toolkit can help walk you through some basic steps to engage your community and help restore your local ecosystems.
Keystone Plants by Ecoregion North America: from Canada to Mexico.
Europe
Europe
UK
UK
Amphibian Habitat Management Handbook "is a resource for a range of range of users including conservation professionals and interested volunteers." ... "The natterjack is a conservation priority and a habitat specialist with very different ecological requirements to the other native amphibians. Hence a section of the handbook is dedicated to this species. The pool frog is currently subject to a reintroduction project and is not covered by the current handbook."
Bee Score: Flower Finder "Select the flowers you have in your garden, then hit continue to find out your current bee kind score. If you’re not sure exactly which plants you have, try clicking the filters on and off to help identify the bee-friendly flowers in your garden." This is hosted by and for UK residents, so you won't get a bonus for "native species" if you live outside the UK, and might see your local natives listed as "non-native" or get an "invasive penalty" even if those plants are fine where you live, but this is still a fun and educational resource.
Scotland
SMEEF Restoration Toolkit "Whether you are starting your first coastal or marine restoration or enhancement project, or have been working on an established programme, this toolkit aims to guide you through the maze of supporting information available.
Each section covers the key facts and there are links to the latest advice. The Toolkit also enables you to create a bespoke action list for your group.
Please note this toolkit is a live document and will be updated regularly. If you believe there may be something missing or incorrect, please email us..."
Resources
North America
North America
USA
USA
ReWild Long Island: FAQ and Resources "We are often asked to help new and experienced rewilders with their gardens. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers."
Programs
Programs
International
International
The Million Pollinator Garden Challenge (MPGC) "is a nationwide call to action to preserve and create gardens and landscapes that help revive the health of bees, butterflies, birds, bats and other pollinators across America. We will move millions of individuals, kids and families outdoors and make a connection between pollinators and the healthy food people eat."
Resources
Resources
North America
North America
USA
USA
California
State Wildlife Action Plan "A plan for conserving California's wildlife resources while responding to environmental challenges"
North America
North America
USA
USA
The Million Pollinator Garden Challenge (MPGC) "is a nationwide call to action to preserve and create gardens and landscapes that help revive the health of bees, butterflies, birds, bats and other pollinators across America. We will move millions of individuals, kids and families outdoors and make a connection between pollinators and the healthy food people eat."
Organizations
Organizations
General
General
Aquatic Ecosystems
Aquatic Ecosystems
Flying Creatures
Flying Creatures
Maps
Maps
Prime Locations for Rewilding
Prime Locations for Rewilding
A Comprehensive Assessment of Red Wolf Reintroduction Sites (PDF) includes multiple maps including the historic range, maps of suggested park areas suggested by conservation specialists, as well as maps exploring the resources and threats associated with each area. These included topics such as hunting levels, dear population density, etc.
Rewilding Organization Networks
Rewilding Organization Networks
International
International
Butterfly Conservation: Wild Spaces: Put Your Wild Space on the Map "Our interactive map shows the number and types of Wild Space near you. When you sign up in the UK, your Wild Space will also appear on the map so you can show everyone that you're taking action and encourage others to get involved too."
Europe
Europe
UK
UK
Butterfly Conservation: Wild Spaces: Put Your Wild Space on the Map "Our interactive map shows the number and types of Wild Space near you. When you sign up in the UK, your Wild Space will also appear on the map so you can show everyone that you're taking action and encourage others to get involved too."
Educational Opportunities
Educational Opportunities
Grants & Funding
Grants & Funding
International
International
CEPF "has funded biodiversity conservation projects led by more than 2,500 grantees around the world. We support civil society organizations of all sizes—from farmers' cooperatives and community groups to universities and international nongovernmental organizations."
The Conservation Nation Grant Program "offers funding to help save animals and their ecosystems around the world by building a stronger, more diverse wildlife conservation community. We believe that only by supporting each other and breaking down barriers to expand the number and diversity of conservationists in the fight will we be giving this challenge all we’ve got."
Europe
Europe
UK
UK
Rewilding Britain: Funding for Rewilding "Discover funding opportunities for your rewilding project through Rewilding Britain."
Scotland
SMEEF Restoration Toolkit "Whether you are starting your first coastal or marine restoration or enhancement project, or have been working on an established programme, this toolkit aims to guide you through the maze of supporting information available.
Each section covers the key facts and there are links to the latest advice. The Toolkit also enables you to create a bespoke action list for your group.
Please note this toolkit is a live document and will be updated regularly. If you believe there may be something missing or incorrect, please email us..."
North America
North America
USA
USA
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund "is dedicated to protecting the bay by working to advance local on-the-ground watershed restoration, helping local communities clean up and restore their polluted rivers and streams, and restoring and protecting key Chesapeake Bay species."
Minnesota
MWMO: Community Grants "are available for short-term or small-scale water quality projects. The grant amount may not exceed $5,000. No matching funds are required."
Oceana
Oceana
Australia
Australia
Western Australia
The Sustainability Grants Program (in the City of Cockburn) "offers funding for projects related to six sustainability themes. Open to small businesses, schools, not-for-profits, and collective households, successful applicants can receive up to $4,000 for their project."
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