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Terrestrial rewilding

2 Forests and natural processes

2.3 Grazing, wallowing, and tree breaking



Large herbivores (e.g. deer, bison, and wild boar) engage in activities such as grazing, wallowing, and tree breaking, which create a variety of habitats and promote plant, insect, bird, and fungi diversity. These activities help to maintain open areas within forests, which are important for many species.

In many European forests the absence or low density of large herbivores due to hunting or habitat fragmentation limits these natural processes, leading to more homogeneous and less dynamic forest structures.

An illustration titled 'Soil disturbance and its key role in nature' shows various animals interacting with the soil and plants. The image highlights how different species, such as boars, water buffalo, wisent, konik horses, badgers, rabbits, foxes, and insects like bees and grasshoppers contribute to soil disturbance. Each animal is labeled with descriptions of their specific roles in aerating the soil, creating habitats for other species, or promoting plant growth. The background features a natural landscape with diverse flora including clover, thyme, poppies, and foxglove.

Soil disturbance and its key role in nature. Credit: Jeroen Helmer / ARK Rewilding Netherlands.

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