Across Europe, wildlife is making a comeback. Last year, projects supported by the Endangered Landscapes & Seascapes Programme led efforts to introduce iconic species, breathing new life into landscapes in need. These are important steps in restoring ecosystems, strengthening biodiversity, and reconnecting people with the natural world. Here, we highlight just a few examples of species brought back to the wild in 2024.
Bringing life back to Ukraine’s grasslands
Ukraine’s Tarutino Steppe, a once-thriving grassland ecosystem, saw two species return in 2024.
European hamsters, reintroduced in October as part of the Danube Delta project, are small but essential players in the steppe. Their activities improve soil health and provide prey for native predators. This release builds on previous efforts to re-establish populations in the region.
In September, steppe marmots made their return, with 18 individuals translocated from northern Odessa. These “ecosystem engineers” are already enhancing the landscape with their burrowing, creating healthier soils and managing water retention. Together, these releases are bolstering existing populations and contributing to the steppe’s restoration.
A triumph for scavengers in Bulgaria
The skies over Bulgaria’s Eastern Rhodopes are alive with success. A captive-bred Egyptian vulture named Izi, released in 2020, bred in the wild for the first time this year. This milestone highlights the progress being made to restore these essential scavengers, who have an essential role in preventing disease and maintaining ecological balance.
Wild returns in Spain’s Iberian Highlands
Spain’s Iberian Highlands welcomed two key species in 2024.
In May, a herd of Przewalski’s horses was introduced to the region as a proxy for wild horses that once performed similar ecosystem functions. These grazing animals help maintain open habitats, reduce wildfire risks, and support biodiversity.
In October, four cinereous vultures joined the highland skies. This release builds on ongoing efforts to establish a self-sustaining breeding population of these scavengers, which play a critical role in recycling nutrients and supporting a healthier ecosystem.
Nature’s engineers in Scotland
Beavers, nature’s master builders, are thriving in Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park. Reintroduced in late 2023, their first wild-born kits were spotted in 2024. By building dams and creating wetlands, these industrious animals are transforming ecosystems, improving biodiversity, and reducing flooding.
The species reintroductions and population reinforcements of 2024 mark significant steps toward rebuilding Europe’s landscapes and seascapes. Whether returning species to their historical ranges or boosting existing populations, these efforts inspire hope and demonstrate the power of restoration to revitalise ecosystems. The successes highlighted here are just the beginning, with each action creating a ripple effect that supports healthier habitats and stronger connections between people and the natural world.
To find out more about species releases and other actions, explore our restoration landscapes and seascapes.
