Also known as an alpha predator, this animal is at the top of the food chain in its ecosystem and has no natural predators. Examples include wolves and bears.

The variety of life in all its forms, including genes, species, and ecosystems.

The degree to which landscapes and ecosystems are connected, allowing for the movement of species and the flow of natural processes.

A large, protected area where natural processes are allowed to operate with minimal human intervention.

A strip of habitat connecting core areas, allowing for the movement of species between them.

The state of an ecosystem when it is complete and functioning normally, including its full complement of species and natural processes.   

An organism that significantly modifies, maintains, or creates habitats. Beavers are a classic example.

The processes and interactions within an ecosystem, such as nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, and water filtration.

The benefits that humans derive from ecosystems, such as clean air and water, food, and recreation.

A charismatic species that is used to raise awareness and support for conservation efforts.

Species that perform similar ecological roles to extinct or missing species, often used in rewilding to restore ecosystem functions.

A species that has a disproportionately large impact on its ecosystem relative to its abundance.

A framework for addressing environmental impacts, prioritizing avoidance, then minimization, then restoration, and finally offsetting any remaining damage.

Events such as fires, floods, and storms that shape ecosystems and maintain biodiversity.

The use of semi-wild or wild herbivores to mimic the ecological effects of extinct or missing grazers, promoting biodiversity and ecosystem function.

Actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits.

Allowing natural processes to recover without human intervention.

The intentional release of a species into an area where it has been locally extinct.

The ability of an ecosystem to withstand and recover from disturbances.

The capacity of a degraded ecosystem to recover its natural structure and function.

A spectrum of rewilding approaches, ranging from minimal intervention to more active management, depending on the context and goals.

Providing hope and purpose, offering natural solutions, thinking creatively, complementary conservation, letting nature lead, working at nature’s scale, acting in context, building nature-based economies, long-term focus, working together, and knowledge exchange.

A tool used to assess the progress of rewilding initiatives by evaluating changes in human intervention and ecological integrity.

The tendency to perceive the current state of the environment as normal, even if it has been degraded over time.

Involving local communities, landowners, and other stakeholders in the planning and implementation of restoration projects.

The movement of a species from one location to another.

The intricacy of the food web within an ecosystem, reflecting the diversity of species and their feeding relationships. A more complex food web generally indicates a healthier and more resilient ecosystem.

Restoring missing trophic levels in a food web, often by reintroducing apex predators or large herbivores.

A large, undisturbed area where natural processes dominate.