Europe is experiencing a major wildlife resurgence, with species like wolves and various ungulates returning or increasing in numbers, and others like the European bison, semi-domesticated grazers, and beavers being reintroduced. While these developments are celebrated as conservation successes, they have also heightened human-wildlife interactions, leading to societal tensions. Concerns include agricultural impacts, zoonotic disease risks, and conflicting biodiversity goals.
As society shifts toward a more nature-inclusive approach, emphasising rewilding and human-wildlife coexistence, we must move beyond the traditional focus on control and strict separation between humans and nature. Wildlife management must balance the protection of human interests with the need to give more space for wildlife, and recognise our continuous, often subtle, interactions with the species sharing our landscapes.
The return of wolves in the Netherlands underscores the need to move beyond outdated divisions between nature and culture, and instead focus on how we engage, communicate, and coexist with the species sharing our landscapes.
Huygens Colloquia
In the Faculty of Science a great diversity of exciting research is going on. The Huygens Colloquia are a colloquium series by Faculty of Science employees for all faculty employees and students. Every month, a colleague will discuss their science and their latest results in an accessible way to a wider audience. Access is free and no registration is needed. Bring your own lunch, coffee, and tea will be provided.
