Rewilding projects restore natural ecosystems and species, but the processes of reintroduction, predator-prey dynamics, and habitat change raise complex animal welfare questions.
Rewilding is broadly positive for animal populations and ecosystem welfare, but it involves welfare trade-offs. Translocation causes stress and mortality. Predator reintroduction increases predation deaths. However, the alternative — degraded ecosystems with reduced biodiversity — involves chronic food insecurity and habitat loss affecting even more animals. On balance, well-designed rewilding projects improve the long-term welfare of more animals than they harm.