Practice Tests
IELTS Reading (AC) Task 1 #153

A. Rewilding is a progressive approach to conservation that aims to restore ecosystems to a more natural, self-sustaining state by reintroducing keystone species and removing human interventions. It moves beyond simply conserving what is left and instead focuses on reinstating natural processes and allowing nature to take its own course. The goal is to create resilient, biodiverse ecosystems that can manage themselves with minimal human oversight.

B. A key element of rewilding is the reintroduction of keystone species—animals that have a disproportionately large effect on their natural environment relative to their abundance. A classic example is the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park in the United States. The wolves, by preying on elk, caused a cascade of ecological changes: the elk population was controlled, which allowed overgrazed vegetation like willow and aspen to recover, which in turn stabilised riverbanks and provided habitat for beavers and songbirds. This demonstrates how restoring a single species can revitalise an entire ecosystem.

C. Rewilding projects vary in scale, from small-scale river restoration projects to ambitious plans to restore large tracts of land. The approach often involves removing man-made structures like dams or fences to reconnect fragmented habitats and allow natural processes, such as river flooding and forest regeneration, to resume. It is about letting go of the traditional, heavily managed approach to conservation and trusting in nature''s ability to heal itself.

D. While rewilding offers a hopeful vision for ecological restoration, it is not without its challenges and controversies. The reintroduction of large predators can create conflict with farming and local communities. It also requires a significant shift in mindset, moving away from a human-centric view of the landscape to one that prioritises ecological integrity. Despite these hurdles, rewilding is gaining momentum as a powerful strategy for tackling the biodiversity crisis and climate change by restoring functional, carbon-sequestering ecosystems.