Does Britain need more animals? A rogue agent has released wild cats into the Scottish Highlands. Some believe such tactics are necessary to save Britain’s dwindling biodiversity.
Lynx hunt sparks row over rewilding
Does Britain need more animals? A rogue agent has released wild cats into the Scottish Highlands. Some believe such tactics are necessary to save Britain's dwindling biodiversity.
Earlier this month four lynxA medium-sized wild cat with brown fur and a short tail. were released in Scotland. Three have been humanely captured. But one died.
Authorities do not know who released the cats, but many suspect it was a rogueDishonest, unprincipled or acting without the permission of the group. rewilderSomeone who supports reintroducing animals into the wild as a way to conserve nature..
For more than 20 years activistsPeople who campaign for social or political change. Greta Thunberg sailed to New York for a meeting instead of flying. have released once common but now extinct birds and animals back into the wild, including beavers. Rewilding is supported by many people.
Britain's nature has been hugely damaged by human activity and we have one of the lowest levels of biodiversityBiodiversity is all the different kinds of life you'll find in one area - the variety of animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms like bacteria that make up our natural world. Each of these species and organisms work together in ecosystems, like an intricate web, to maintain balance and support life. in Europe.
Rewilding could reverse this. It also benefits us. Beavers restore water quality, improve biodiversity and defend against droughtA time when there is not enough water and the ground is very dry. and flooding.
Not everyone is on board. Rogue rewilders release all sorts of creatures into the wild without any regard for their effect on people or other animals.
If you release lynx, for example, you also need to ensure there are suitable animals for them to catch and eat.
And beavers have caused trouble for Scottish farmers. One describes how burrowing beavers collapsed an embankment, flooding his fields.
Does Britain need more animals?
Yes! We have done enormous damage to the Earth. Rewilding is one of the best ways to remedy that.
No! It is a lovely idea, but there are times when you have to make a choice between people and animals. And people should always come first.
Lynx - A medium-sized wild cat with brown fur and a short tail.
Rogue - Dishonest, unprincipled or acting without the permission of the group.
Rewilder - Someone who supports reintroducing animals into the wild as a way to conserve nature.
Activists - People who campaign for social or political change. Greta Thunberg sailed to New York for a meeting instead of flying.
Biodiversity - Biodiversity is all the different kinds of life you'll find in one area - the variety of animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms like bacteria that make up our natural world. Each of these species and organisms work together in ecosystems, like an intricate web, to maintain balance and support life.
Drought - A time when there is not enough water and the ground is very dry.
Lynx hunt sparks row over rewilding

Glossary
Lynx - A medium-sized wild cat with brown fur and a short tail.
Rogue - Dishonest, unprincipled or acting without the permission of the group.
Rewilder - Someone who supports reintroducing animals into the wild as a way to conserve nature.
Activists - People who campaign for social or political change. Greta Thunberg sailed to New York for a meeting instead of flying.
Biodiversity - Biodiversity is all the different kinds of life you'll find in one area — the variety of animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms like bacteria that make up our natural world. Each of these species and organisms work together in ecosystems, like an intricate web, to maintain balance and support life.
Drought - A time when there is not enough water and the ground is very dry.