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The debate about rewilding is ongoing. But what does rewilding actually mean? According to the organization Forests of the World, rewilding means protecting natural areas by reintroducing key animal species. This could be species that are important for certain areas to further develop. Rewilding is about letting nature do the work itself instead of caring for nature. Let us take a look at how it is being done around Europe.
Projects concerning rewilding have been launched in several places in Europe. One of the organizations responsible for carrying out these projects is Rewilding Europe, which works to bring more wildlife to Europe. They have been part of introducing projects in countries such as Portugal, Sweden, Italy and Germany. This is done, for example, by putting animals out in selected areas. It has been done with horses, among other animals also in a country like Denmark.
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In order for the organization to carry out these projects with horses, they have made a report where they continuously gather knowledge as well as experiences that deal with rewilding of horses. In an attempt tp provide a kind of ‘guideline’.
• Only certain horse breeds should be used and individual horses that meet certain requirements should be selected. The breeds Rewilding Europe thinks are best suited are Exmoor ponies, Yakut ponies, Konik and Przewalski's horses. In addition, the horses should preferably an area nearby. The organization also recommends that the horses already live as ‘wild’ as possible, and that they come from the same herd.
• At the beginning of a rewilding project, humans usually need to be more involved. They do this to ensure that the animals adapting as well as possible. Rewilding Europe states that it can take up to a year. during this time they may have to supplement with feed or, for example, make holes in the ice for the horses to get water.
• Important to keep in mind is that even though animals and nature are quick to adapt to change, rewilding is a process. It often takes a long time before an area, or a herd of animals has been rewilded. Nature and animals have to get used to it.
• The area where the animals are to live should be suitable for horses. There should be, for example, the right amounts of food in the form of trees, grass, shrubs, vitamins and so on. As well as space for all the horses to be sheltered from the weather. This must apply both in the summer and in the winter. In addition, Rewilding Europe emphasizes that horses often enjoy open landscapes. It gives them a better opportunity to keep an eye on other animals. This is a part of the horses DNA being as they are prey animals.
• Take care that all animals that are released are healthy - and do not bring bacteria into the herd. In addition, it is recommend keeping an eye on any diseases and bacteria in the herd.
• When selecting an area, it is important to consider the possibility of other predators that could harm the horses. It may also be necessary to put other animal species out in the same area. This is in order for it to be rewilded as best as possible.
The above mentioned are some of the guidelines set out by Rewilding Europe for when horses are being brought back into the wild nature in Europe. If you have an opinion to rewilding projects, feel free to join the debate on our Facebook profile.
