長文読解（人文系・自然科学系の文章）- 問題61

The concept of rewilding has emerged as a revolutionary approach to conservation biology, aiming to restore ecosystems to their natural state by reintroducing native species and removing human interventions. This practice goes beyond traditional conservation methods by focusing on large-scale ecosystem restoration rather than protecting individual species.
One of the most successful rewilding projects occurred in Yellowstone National Park, where wolves were reintroduced in 1995 after being absent for nearly 70 years. The return of wolves created a trophic cascade effect, dramatically altering the park's ecosystem. Deer populations decreased and changed their grazing patterns, allowing vegetation to recover along riverbanks. This vegetation growth stabilized soil erosion and provided habitat for various bird species.
However, rewilding faces significant challenges in densely populated regions. Critics argue that large-scale rewilding projects may conflict with agricultural needs and local communities' livelihoods. Additionally, climate change complicates restoration efforts, as historical ecosystem conditions may no longer be suitable for current environmental realities. Despite these obstacles, many scientists believe rewilding represents our best hope for reversing biodiversity loss and creating resilient ecosystems capable of adapting to future environmental changes.