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

Mr Gow, who is working to rewild 150 acres of his own land near Launceston, said he had also legally reintroduced species including beavers, dormice, 25,000 water voles and glow-worms.

From BBC

Solar panels have been installed on the pavilion roof and native trees were planted beyond the boundary rope field to better soak up excess water, with the grass wildflowers left to grow and rewild with reduced mowing and trimming.

From BBC

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

Joanne, from Merthyr Tydfil, is also a trustee for charity Rewild Play which organises trips to relaxed events for children who are disabled or have additional learning needs.

From BBC

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

From Science Daily