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Rogue rewilders: Nature's heroes or eco-anarchists?
3 Feb
Summary
- Individuals illegally reintroduce species to restore ecological balance.
- Supporters hail them as eco-heroes, critics fear disease and untrained actions.
- The debate centers on acting now versus following strict regulations.
The debate around 'rogue rewilders' centers on their methods of conservation.
These individuals illegally reintroduce species, like Olivier Rubbers who "beaver bombed" Belgian waterways starting in 1998. He released 97 beavers, creating habitats for other species.
Supporters, including environmentalist Ben Goldsmith, view these rewilders as heroes for accelerating conservation efforts that bureaucratic processes often delay. They argue that reintroducing species helps habitats fight climate change by sequestering carbon and preventing floods.
