Rewilding Europe and WWF Romania have been reintroducing bison in the Southern Carpathians of Romania since 2014. Shot by French filmmaker Emmanuel Rondeau, “Zimbrul” is an intimate snapshot of people’s feelings about the return of this iconic species.

Continuing a longstanding reintroduction programme, the latest recent translocation of 91 fallow deer in the Rhodope Mountains rewilding area in Bulgaria will help to create biodiversity-rich mosaic landscapes and enhance local food chains.

Coordinated by Rewilding Europe, the “Pelican way of LIFE” project formally kicked off in Bucharest on November 20. Its pan-European, multi-partner efforts will hopefully boost populations of this important and iconic bird.

As part of efforts to establish a network of rewilding-related enterprises in and around northern Portugal’s Greater Côa Valley, the 600,000-euro loan will help to develop a nature-based tourism resort. This will enhance wild nature and boost the local economy.

The LIFE Lynx project, which works to conserve and enhance the endangered Dinaric-SE Alpine lynx population, has just joined the European Rewilding Network. In taking network membership to 70, this highlights the continued growth of Europe’s rewilding movement.

European bison are now roaming free in the Rhodope Mountains of Bulgaria for the first time since the Middle Ages. This will help to boost local biodiversity and underpin the development of nature-based tourism.

Wildlife enthusiasts can now contribute to rewilding efforts wherever they are. ZSL’s (Zoological Society of London) groundbreaking ‘Instant Wild’ platform allows everyone to collectively identify animals in camera trap photos. A research partnership with Rewilding Europe has already seen a wide range of species tagged in imagery from the Central Apennines rewilding area.

Across Finland a growing number of wetlands, rivers and forests are now undergoing restoration. With rewilding efforts stepped up in 2019, loans from Rewilding Europe Capital are playing a central role. 

The transport of female bison to the release site in the Țarcu Mountains and breeding centre in Hunedoara will enhance the genetic viability of the area’s free-roaming herds and help to minimise the need for future long-distance translocations.

A fun-packed programme, including a colourful dramatic performance, saw visitors of the visitor centre in the Rhodope Mountains, learn more about vultures and vulture conservation.