rewild

American  

[ree-wahyld] / riˈwaɪld /

verb (used with object)

1. to introduce (animals or plants) to their original habitat or to a habitat similar to their natural one.

   proposals to rewild elephants to the American plains.

2. to return (land) to a more natural state.

   rewilding an unpopulated island for use as an animal preserve.

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verb (used without object)

1. to introduce living organisms to a habitat.

2. to return land to a less developed state.

Usage

What does rewild mean? Rewild means to reintroduce a plant or animal to its original habitat or one similar to its natural habitat.To rewild a plant or animal is to introduce a plant or animal species back to its natural habitat. Sometimes, if an animal has been in captivity for a long time or has been injured and then taken care of by humans, it will have to go through a training process in order to be rewilded—otherwise the animal won’t be able to take care of itself in the wild. In the case of plants, rewild usually refers to reintroducing a plant species to an area after it was removed for some reason, such as a natural disaster or human development.To rewild also means to return land to a more natural state. That might mean planting vegetation that originally belonged in that habitat, taking care of it, and nurturing the land until it resembles the natural areas around it or that it is based on. Example: This sea turtle has already gone through most of the rewilding process and will be released for good in a few weeks.

Etymology

Origin of rewild

First recorded in 1980–85; re- + wild

Example Sentences

But some experts hope it will change its mind and allow a natural recovery—and perhaps even accelerate efforts to rewild parts of the lower Dnipro Basin.

From Science Magazine • Jan. 3, 2024

Thanks to efforts to reestablish and rewild the species, there are approximately 7,300 free-ranging European bison today.

From Science Daily • Dec. 12, 2023

So, the West Seattle homeowner decided to rewild her garden by planting a meadow.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 17, 2023

If the project for the dodo succeeds, the plan is to rewild the species in its original habitat of Mauritius.

From Washington Times • Jan. 31, 2023

The man behind plans to buy and rewild a 3,500-acre estate in Argyll has insisted he is not a "green laird".

From BBC • Jan. 22, 2023