The reintroduction of animal species into their natural habitats is an ambitious effort aimed at restoring biodiversity, rebalancing ecosystems or preserving endangered species. But while some operations are genuine successes, others reveal the limits of human intervention in nature.
In this article, let’s take a look at some emblematic cases of successful or controversial reintroductions, in France and Europe.
Why reintroduce species?
The main reasons are:
- Correcting past mistakes : species eradicated by excessive hunting, habitat destruction, or pollution.
- Restoring ecological functions : some animals play a key role (e.g., predators regulating herbivore populations).
- Saving an endangered species : creating new viable populations in the wild.
But reintroduction requires in-depth ecological studies, a long-term support, and acceptance by local populations.
Successful Reintroductions
The Bearded Vulture (Pyrenees, Alps)
Disappeared from France at the beginning of the 20th century, this large vulture was successfully reintroduced in the Pyrenees, then in the Alps. Thanks to gradual releases, it is now present with a stable and growing population.
Ecological role: scavenger, it cleans the mountains of carcasses.
Key to success: cooperation between NGOs, hunters, shepherds, and authorities.
The Brown Bear (Central Pyrenees)
Reintroduced starting in 1996 with individuals from Slovenia, the brown bear population has grown (about 80 individuals today). While biologically successful, the reintroduction caused tension with livestock farmers..
Success in terms of reproduction.
But persistent conflicts with agropastoralism.
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Sika Deer and Alpine Ibex (Vosges, Alps)
The Alpine ibex had disappeared from several mountain ranges. Its reintroduction since the 1980s restored healthy populations, often seen in national parks.
Iconic mountain species.
Réintroduction bien acceptée et suivie.
Well-accepted and monitored reintroduction.
The Grey Wolf (natural return, Alps – Massif Central)
The wolf returned naturally from Italy in the 1990s. It was not artificially reintroduced, but its expansion is similar to a spontaneous reintroduction.
Issue: difficult coexistence with livestock farmers, and its adaptability makes it a feared predator.
Challenge: balancing conservation with social acceptance.
Przewalski's Horse (European steppe)
Reintroduced in some nature reserves in Eastern Europe and Mongolia, this wild horse sometimes suffered from lack of genetic diversity and harsh climatic conditions. Some reintroduced populations were wiped out.
Challenge: genetic selection, disease protection.
Partial failure depending on the site.
Keys to a Successful Reintroduction
For a reintroduction to be viable, several conditions must be met:
- Preliminary ecological study (available niche, predation, resources).
- Acceptance by local stakeholders (hunters, farmers, breeders, residents).
- Long-term monitoring (counts, population health, adaptation).
- Clear communication to avoid myths or rejection.
What role for hunters in this context?
Hunters can be valuable partners in reintroduction programs:
- Through their knowledge of the terrain, game and wildlife.
- By participating in species counts and monitoring.
- By agreeing toadapt harvests to changes in natural balance.
Example: regulating wild boar becomes even more crucial in areas where wolves or bears return, to limit agricultural damage.