The reintroduction of these endearing and ecologically important rodents, which were once widespread across Ukraine and Europe, will help to create a healthier and wilder steppe landscape.

The UN Decade on Ecological Restoration aims to catalyse nature recovery efforts around the world. Two of Rewilding Europe’s rewilding landscapes are playing a supporting role through their involvement in restoration “flagship” initiatives.

Our work to stabilize and strengthen interconnected populations of the Dalmatian pelican along the Black Sea-Mediterranean flyway has been recognised by the European Commission’s Natura 2000 Awards. Through reducing the risk of collisions with power lines, the installation of nesting platforms and establishing regular patrols, The Pelican Way of LIFE initiative has helped to create two new breeding colonies in Bulgaria.

A recent webinar gathered 30 participants from 11 European countries and India to learn about the Pelican Way of LIFE initiative, as work continues to improve conditions for Dalmatian pelicans along the Black Sea-Mediterranean Flyway.

For many years a network of dykes and canals have choked the life out of the Danube Delta. Rewilding efforts in the Ukrainian part of the delta are now restoring water flow, enhancing wildlife populations and benefitting local communities.

The arrival of 20 more kulan on the Tarutino Steppe is part of a long-term reintroduction programme. The animals will fill an important ecological niche and enhance biodiversity.

A group of steppe marmots, translocated to the Tarutino Steppe in 2020, are acclimatising well to their new home. Their release into the wild, which is part of a long-term reintroduction programme, is helping to create a healthier, more functional steppe environment.

The Tarutino Steppe Festival took place at the end of September in the Ukrainian Danube Delta. Showcasing local nature, culture and rewilding efforts, the event will help local communities by enhancing the area’s tourism value.

Two batches of three young eagle owls have just been released in the Danube Delta rewilding area in Ukraine. Their reintroduction, which is part of a long-term programme to establish a viable population, will enhance local food webs.

The Dalmatian pelican continue to show signs of recovery within their range in southeast Europe, including the Danube Delta rewilding area. Yet, their fragmented populations pose a problem for the species’ long-term stability. Here’s an overview of our actions and results so far, to support the comeback of these gentle giants.