Rewilding — allowing land to return to a wilder state with natural processes — benefits biodiversity and individual animal welfare through restored habitats, food sources and ecological relationships.
Rewilding recognises that wild animals need complex, natural habitats to live well. Restored ecosystems provide conditions in which animals can express natural behaviours, find appropriate food, shelter and social partners. However, rewilding also increases exposure to natural suffering through predation and competition, requiring careful welfare-informed thinking about interventions.