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White Storks: Native or Newcomer in UK Rewilding?
7 Jun
Summary
- White storks, with a two-metre wingspan, are being released in England.
- Debate surrounds whether non-native birds belong in rewilding projects.
- Storks inspire public interest and could aid funding through tourism.
The reintroduction of white storks to England has sparked a significant debate regarding the role of non-native species in rewilding projects. These striking birds, known for their two-metre wingspans and impressive nests, are being released at multiple sites, with further introductions planned and public consultations underway.
Natural England suggests white storks are not native, though some experts contend they are a native species eradicated by the 1400s. The UK's definition of native species includes those present for 12,000 years, migratory birds, and those reintroduced after human-caused extinction.
While introduced non-native species can pose risks, such as invasive Japanese knotweed costing £247 million annually to control, they can also offer ecological benefits. White storks, for instance, are popular and could drive tourism, as seen in 'stork villages' across Europe.
Their status as regular visitors, though rare in the subfossil record, places them in a unique category, potentially bypassing regulations for non-native species. This could allow for their integration into rewilding, benefiting landscapes by attracting other birds like swallows and martins.
Projects involving species like European bison demonstrate how non-native animals can fulfill ecological functions of extinct native counterparts. Similarly, introducing species better adapted to changing climates is a growing consideration for conservation.
