Rewilding Research
Rewilding in cold blood: restoring functionality in degraded ecosystems using herbivorous reptiles
Rewilding constitutes an ecological recovery approach that has been promoted to restore vanished ecological functions and natural ecosystem dynamics. Most recent rewilding projects worldwide, emphasize (re)introducing large-bodied mammals (megafauna) in order to restore top-down trophic interactions and the associated trophic cascades, promoting self-regulating bio-diverse ecosystems (i.e., trophic rewilding). However, this mammalian emphasis has ignored the importance of other taxa, such as reptiles, which can equally serve as potential candidates in rewilding projects. There appears to be a gap in the scientific literature in regard to the importance and effect of non-mammalian potential to play equal and important roles in ecosystem functionality and restoration. Consequently, there is a need for a comprehensive and systematic review of the subject. This review (see in publication section) shows the significance of rewilding using reptiles, focusing on herbivorous species, for the purpose of ecological restoration; and discuss how the taxonomic bias in rewilding initiatives has led to uneven conservation goals for certain vertebrate groups
Figure: The ecosystem contributions through the trophic and non-trophic interactions, shaping vegetation communities among designated rewilding candidates: Endotherm represents by The agouti; Dasyprocta spp. from Central-South America and the African elephant; Loxodonta africana, while among ectotherms, the giant tortoise; Aldabrachelys gigantea from the Seychelles and the green iguana; Iguana iguana from Central-South America play the role of ecosystem engineers (e.g., via epizoochory, endozoochory or grazing) in their environment. Logistics consideration for reintroduction vary across each taxon
Rewilding a vanishing taxon: restoring freshwater ecosystems using amphibians
The increasing rate of biodiversity loss and the number of threatened or endangered species worldwide has accelerated conservation and recovery strategies, emphasizing fish, birds, and mammals. This focus has mostly neglected amphibians, which are currently facing the most existential crisis among all vertebrates, with declining populations across most habitats. The factors driving global amphibian declines are diverse, often synergistic, and predominantly anthropogenic. Amphibians urgently require rapid conservation action, and we cannot afford to wait while the most important critical elements required to initiate effective recovery efforts are known. We recommend the rapid (re)introduction of this “forgotten” taxon via the guidelines of trophic rewilding. These pragmatic initiatives may provide early indications of ecological health and better contribute to conservation goals, simultaneously protecting highly endangered species, and promoting ecological stability in these species’ ecosystems
Figure: Schematic description (based on the guidelines of the IUCN; Griffiths & Pavajeau, 2008; Harding et al., 2016; Linhoff et al., 2021) of proposed steps for the trophic rewilding of habitats, to conserve threatened amphibian species, and restore the natural environment. Pelophylax bedriagae (left; photo: Petra & Wilfried- Flickr) and Bufotes viridis (right; photo: Skampetsky) are given as examples of generalist amphibian species that can be (re)introduced, Egretta garzetta (photo: El Golli Mohamed) is given as an example of a predator of Bufotes viridis, and Latonia nigriventer (photo: Frank Glaw) is given as an example of an endangered specialist amphibian species that can be subsequently (re)introduced. The bold text in grey boxes suggests decision points where conservationists must answer a question to proceed to the next stage
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