Welfare Science

Wild Animal Welfare and Ecosystem Restoration

Large-scale ecosystem restoration projects have complex welfare implications for wild animals at multiple scales.

Key Facts

Rewilding projects such as Knepp in the UK have dramatically increased wildlife abundance
Introduction of grazing animals (cattle, ponies, pigs) to drive ecosystem restoration raises welfare questions
Predator reintroduction changes prey behaviour and physiology through landscape of fear effects
Habitat restoration reduces chronic stress in wildlife dependent on complex habitats
Individual welfare of restored ecosystem animals must be monitored alongside biodiversity metrics

Welfare Considerations

Ecosystem restoration is generally welfare-positive through habitat creation and prey recovery. However, specific interventions - grazing animal introductions, predator releases, disturbance management - require welfare assessment at the individual animal level. Rewilding that improves biodiversity metrics while neglecting individual animal welfare standards is incomplete.

What You Can Do

Support rewilding projects that include animal welfare monitoring alongside biodiversity metrics
Engage with compassionate conservation frameworks that integrate individual welfare
Donate to organisations working at the intersection of rewilding and welfare science
Advocate for welfare assessment requirements in environmental restoration funding