Species in Rewilding
Species
Rewilding supports species that have life cycles that involve large herbivores and the habitats created by natural processes in the landscape.
Over the past century, ecological conditions have changed significantly. It has become warmer and wetter, and CO₂ and nitrogen emissions have increased dramatically. As a result, large fast-growing plants that can utilise these conditions have gained an advantage. Without large herbivores, the landscape becomes overgrown with grass, thistles, and nettles.
However, with the grazing and impact of large animals, smaller plant species regain a competitive edge, creating the foundation for life for animals that depend on dung, carrion, and wetlands.
Rewilding Species
Rewilding helps restore natural processes in the landscape, where large herbivores play a key role in shaping ecosystems. By allowing nature to take its course, unique habitats are created, supporting greater biodiversity.
Here are five key species that each benefit from rewilding.
Green Toad
An eastern species that is protected and listed in Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive. Tip: You can hear the toad whistling in the wetlands of the Wilderness in spring. Seen: April–September
Crimson Dung Beetle
In Saksfjed Wilderness, approximately 1,000,000 kg of dung is deposited each year—providing a vital food source for a multitude of dung beetles. The Crimson Dung Beetle feeds on the nutrients in dung and helps break it down, preventing an overwhelming buildup. Additionally, dung beetles themselves are an important food source for insect-eating birds and mammals.
Marsh Lousewort
One of the small flowers that benefits from rewilding is the Marsh Lousewort. Growing only 4–5 cm tall, it heavily relies on grazing animals to keep the landscape open and provide effective dispersal routes.
Red-backed Shrike
A true rewilding bird. The name Lanius comes from the Latin word for “butcher.” This “butcher bird” lives up to its name by impaling insects on thorns. Tip: Look for it in open landscapes, flying between thorny bushes. Seen: May–September
Blue-winged Grasshopper
In 2024, a population of the critically endangered Blue-winged Grasshopper was discovered in the Wilderness—only the second known habitat for the species in Denmark. This grasshopper is a habitat specialist, dependent on open, warm, sandy areas. The Wilderness provides such favorable conditions that the species appears to have established a stable population.
Discover Saksfjed Wilderness
Rewilding also helps many of the species found in Saksfjed Wilderness. Learn more about some of the species that you can encounter when visiting our area on southern Lolland.