rewilding

1 of 2

noun

re·​wild·​ing (ˌ)rē-ˈwī(-ə)l-diŋ 

: an effort to increase biodiversity and restore the natural processes of an ecosystem that typically involves reducing or ceasing human activity and often the planned reintroduction of a plant or animal species and especially a keystone species

Rewilding—giving nature the space and opportunity to express itself—is largely a leap of faith.

—Isabella Tree

Large-scale domestic rewilding projects include dam removal in the Pacific Northwest and in the Northeast to facilitate the return of several endangered species of salmon, as well as reintroducing wolves to Yellowstone National Park, which stabilized and reinvigorated the ecosystem.

—Carey Smith

The concept of rewilding creates hope; it gives the opportunity to set things right, to link protected areas through corridors, to bring back species once lost, and to revitalize our forests, rivers, and wetlands with all forms of life.

—Bahar Dutt

The truth of when this forest actually existed and why it disappeared is murky. … Now, a group of visionary conservationists and ecotourism companies are working to revive the landscape through rewilding.

—Chloe Berge

rewilding

2 of 2

present participle of rewild

Examples of rewilding in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Derek vs Derek started life as a doc about rewilding, but became something quite different when EP Adam Wishart realized one of its protagonists had a rival stationed on the farm opposite him. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2026

The guidelines aim to spur new research and the protection of rare species, make fungi part of restoration and rewilding efforts, and balance the sustainable use of species that provide humans with food and medicine. — John Cannon, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026

At its core, Vermejo is a conservation laboratory developing the blueprint for rewilding in North America—the tourism element simply helps to fund it. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Aug. 2026

The long-term impacts of rewilding have not been well studied, and some scholars worry about it. — M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

rewild + -ing entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1993, in the meaning defined above