January 2025 brought British media coverage of fears over unrestrained ‘rogue rewilding’, sparked by the sighting (and subsequent capture) of numerous lynx in the Scottish Highlands where the animal has been extinct for generations.
But what is rogue rewilding?
Rewilding is a form of ecological restoration that focuses on restoring natural processes to increase biodiversity.
A core element of rewilding involves letting natural processes take over from human actions. So, perhaps, re-introducing a moth or beetle that might assist in pollination and help restore balance. Some conservationists, however, fear that rewilding could supersede traditional nature protection, potentially fragmenting habitats, and causing species loss. The reintroduction of apex predators to fragile habitats could make this particularly true.
Such a predator might be the lynx, a medium-sized wild cat, which has been at risk across Europe due to factors like poaching, scarcity of prey, and habitat loss & fragmentation.
Historically, the Eurasian lynx inhabited much of continental Europe. But, by the early 1800s, it was locally extinct in western and southern Europe’s lowlands, surviving only in hilly areas and Scandinavian forests. By the 1950s, it was extinct across most of Western and Central Europe, living only in scattered, isolated populations.
Great Britain (including Scotland) last saw Eurasian lynx in the early Middle Ages, as indicated by subfossil finds.
But what is rogue rewilding?
Rogue rewilding involves unlawfully and secretly releasing animals into unsuitable environments, thereby disregarding community input and ignoring proper planning and safety protocols.
Ecologists and conservation organisations have voiced harsh criticism of rogue rewilding projects. Experts have warned that rogue rewilding could harm fragile ecosystems and spread disease. Additionally, they fear releasing controversial species, such as lynx, might lead to unnecessary deaths and intensify debate on ecological restoration.
Neil Mach’s urban fantasy thriller, Moondog and the Galium Satyr, set in the Scottish Highlands, features a wealthy magnate who has populated his “rewilding park” with wolves, bears, beavers, and feral hogs. In addition, he wants to release a family of cave lions, a herd of aurochs, and a lynx.
The novel's main protagonist, Moondog, is suspicious of the billionaire’s motives after discovering that he plundered a sacred healing well in the Scottish Borders (the Woolwell Minch) to grow his biodiversity collection.
Did the billionaire rogue rewilder add a rare Caspian Calderagon to his ecosystem? What does a Calderagon eat?
To learn more about the billionaire’s rewilding activities, Moondog decides to explore the re-wilded park. However, first, Moondog must outsmart numerous guards, cross a military-grade security fence at the border, then confront a fierce satyr!
Moondog and the Galium Satyr is out on Amazon Kindle now, 209 pages, first published 9 April 2023
