A series of reintroduction programs that began in the 1970s has allowed scientists to being various back various animals that had gone extinct in the wild. North Carolina’s red wolves, the Eurasian beaver, and Przewalski’s horse had gone extinct in the wild and were returned to the wilderness as a result of successful reintroduction programs.
What Happened: Conservation scientists employed translocation and captive breeding to re-establish animal populations that have died out in the wild. These species were restored either entirely or in certain areas. Reintroducing extinct-in-the-wild animals to their native territories is very advantageous as not only does it help restore degraded ecosystems, but also increases population numbers. A 2020 study highlighted species reintroduction as one of the most effective ways to save endangered animals. Without these projects, species such as Przewalski’s horse and the Guam rail would almost certainly be extinct in the wild. The study estimates that conservation action between 1993 and 2020 saved up to 48 species of birds and mammals from extinction.
The Impact: The reintroduction of extinct animals can have a positive impact on the landscape, for example, bandicoots, a small shrew-like marsupial, dig and redistribute flammable “fuel loads” like dry leaves which can reduce the risk of bushfires, and increase soil turnover which results in improved seedling growth.