Wildlife Comeback in Europe: The recovery of selected mammal and bird species

In this report, for the first time ever, a comprehensive, state-of-the-art and science-based, peer-reviewed overview of the comeback of a number of selected – often iconic – wildlife species, is described and systematically analysed. In this report, we attempt to unravel patterns and processes behind wildlife comeback in Europe since the mid-20th century, focussing on a selected subset of mammals and birds. Of the many possible metrics of biodiversity change, we focus on two of the most useful and widely reported in order to understand the recent positive changes in some species. Firstly, we examine changes in species range. Secondly, we examine the change in population abundance and possible factors behind the trends, such as the mitigation of threats or targeted conservation action.