Predicting rewilding impacts on ecosystems through ecological interaction networks

Scaling up ecosystem restoration is critical during the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030) to combat the climate crisis, enhance biodiversity and restore essential ecosystem services. Trophic rewilding, which often involves the reintroduction of species to reinstate natural processes, is promising but remains controversial due to uncertainties about its broader, long-term impacts on ecosystems. To address these concerns, further research is needed to guide effective, science-based restoration efforts.In this context, NetRewild addresses key challenges in restoration ecology by focusing on the complexity of species interaction networks that drive ecosystem processes. Interaction networks serve as a key link between individual species and overall ecosystem properties such as structure, stability, and function. This innovative approach moves beyond traditional restoration methods, which typically emphasize individual species or habitats, offering a more holistic perspective on ecosystem dynamics. NetRewild will use trait-based models to predict animal-plant interactions and associated ecological functions, such as seed dispersal and plant regeneration, based on species traits and assemblages across Natura 2000 sites. The research will focus on two main areas: first, how functional traits explain the mechanisms driving interaction patterns and ecological processes, addressing a critical knowledge gap essential for predicting future ecosystem impacts; second, how historical changes in herbivore communities and future rewilding scenarios shape ecosystem function and stability. The expected results will provide a science-based foundation for actionable strategies to support successful rewilding initiatives, while integrating insights from real-world applications.