Feral by George Monbiot

Last updated: Jul 29, 2023

Summary of Feral by George Monbiot

1. The importance of rewilding

In "Feral," George Monbiot explores the concept of rewilding, which involves restoring ecosystems to their natural state by reintroducing missing species and allowing nature to take its course. Monbiot argues that rewilding is not only crucial for the health of the planet but also for our own well-being. By allowing nature to thrive, we can benefit from the services it provides, such as clean air and water, carbon sequestration, and increased biodiversity.

Furthermore, rewilding can help address the current biodiversity crisis and mitigate the impacts of climate change. By reintroducing keystone species like wolves or beavers, we can restore balance to ecosystems and promote a more resilient and sustainable environment. Monbiot's book serves as a call to action, urging individuals, communities, and governments to embrace rewilding as a solution to the ecological challenges we face.

2. The role of apex predators

One of the key takeaways from "Feral" is the importance of apex predators in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Monbiot highlights the cascading effects that occur when top predators, such as wolves or big cats, are removed from an ecosystem. Without these predators, herbivore populations can explode, leading to overgrazing and habitat degradation.

By reintroducing apex predators, we can restore balance and promote biodiversity. For example, the reintroduction of wolves in Yellowstone National Park had a profound impact on the ecosystem. The presence of wolves led to a decrease in elk populations, which allowed vegetation to recover and created habitat for other species. Understanding the role of apex predators is crucial for successful rewilding efforts and underscores the need to protect and restore these keystone species.

3. The benefits of rewilding urban areas

While rewilding is often associated with large, remote landscapes, "Feral" also explores the potential for rewilding in urban areas. Monbiot argues that bringing nature back into cities can have numerous benefits for both humans and wildlife. By creating green spaces, planting native vegetation, and providing habitat for urban wildlife, we can improve air quality, reduce urban heat islands, and enhance the well-being of city dwellers.

Additionally, rewilding urban areas can help reconnect people with nature and foster a sense of stewardship for the environment. Monbiot suggests that cities should prioritize rewilding initiatives, such as creating wildlife corridors, rooftop gardens, and urban forests, to create more sustainable and livable urban environments.

4. The potential of rewilding to combat climate change

Another fascinating insight from "Feral" is the potential of rewilding to combat climate change. Monbiot argues that restoring ecosystems and increasing biodiversity can help sequester carbon and mitigate the impacts of global warming. By allowing forests to regenerate and wetlands to expand, we can enhance carbon storage and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Furthermore, rewilding can help restore natural processes, such as nutrient cycling and water filtration, which are essential for maintaining a stable climate. Monbiot suggests that rewilding should be seen as a climate solution, alongside renewable energy and sustainable agriculture, and calls for greater recognition of its potential in climate change mitigation strategies.

5. The importance of rewilding rivers

In "Feral," Monbiot emphasizes the importance of rewilding rivers and restoring their natural flow. He argues that many rivers have been heavily modified and constrained, leading to a loss of biodiversity and ecological function. By removing dams, restoring floodplains, and allowing rivers to meander, we can recreate dynamic and healthy river ecosystems.

Rewilding rivers can have numerous benefits, such as improving water quality, enhancing fish populations, and reducing the risk of flooding. Monbiot highlights successful examples of river rewilding, such as the reintroduction of beavers in the UK, which have transformed degraded waterways into thriving habitats. Restoring rivers is not only essential for the health of aquatic ecosystems but also for the communities and wildlife that depend on them.

6. The need for a shift in conservation approaches

"Feral" challenges traditional conservation approaches that focus on preserving small, isolated pockets of nature. Monbiot argues that these approaches are often insufficient to address the scale of the ecological crisis we face. Instead, he advocates for a more radical and ambitious approach that embraces rewilding and ecosystem restoration.

Monbiot suggests that we need to move away from the idea of pristine wilderness and accept that nature is constantly changing and evolving. By allowing ecosystems to recover and rewilding landscapes, we can create more resilient and diverse habitats. This shift in conservation thinking requires a willingness to let go of control and trust in the regenerative power of nature.

7. The potential for rewilding to enhance human well-being

While the focus of "Feral" is on the ecological benefits of rewilding, Monbiot also highlights the potential for rewilding to enhance human well-being. He argues that reconnecting with nature and experiencing wild places can have profound positive impacts on our mental and physical health.

By creating opportunities for people to engage with nature, such as through nature reserves, national parks, or urban green spaces, we can improve overall well-being and foster a sense of connection to the natural world. Monbiot suggests that rewilding should be seen as a holistic approach that benefits both nature and humans, promoting a more harmonious relationship between people and the environment.

8. The role of individuals in rewilding

Finally, "Feral" emphasizes the role of individuals in driving rewilding efforts. Monbiot argues that everyone has a part to play in restoring ecosystems and reconnecting with nature. Whether it's through supporting rewilding initiatives, volunteering for conservation organizations, or making sustainable lifestyle choices, individuals can contribute to the broader rewilding movement.

Monbiot encourages readers to take action and become advocates for rewilding in their communities, urging governments and policymakers to prioritize nature restoration. By working together, we can create a future where nature thrives, and both humans and wildlife can coexist in harmony.

Related summaries

• The Nature Fix by Florence Williams
• The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben
• The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert
• The Overstory by Richard Powers
• The Wild Places by Robert Macfarlane
• The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
• The Invention of Nature by Andrea Wulf
• The Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv
• The Call of the Wild by Jack London
• The Lost City of Z by David Grann
• The Botany Of Desire by Michael Pollan
• The Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery
• The Nature Principle by Richard Louv
• The Forest Unseen by David George Haskell
• The Hidden Half of Nature by David R. Montgomery and Anne Biklé
• The Feather Thief by Kirk Wallace Johnson
• The Song of the Dodo by David Quammen