Book Review: How Wildlife Is Returning to the East

The article reviews the book Beasts of the East by journalist and author John Platt, which explores the resurgence of wildlife in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet states. This region, often overlooked in global conservation discussions, has seen a remarkable return of species such as wolves, bears, lynx, and bison over the past few decades. The book highlights how these animals, once nearly extinct in many areas due to hunting, habitat loss, and political upheavals like the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, are now reclaiming their former territories. Platt argues that this revival is not accidental but the result of deliberate conservation efforts, changing human attitudes, and the rewilding of abandoned farmlands and industrial sites. The phenomenon is particularly notable in countries like Poland, Romania, and the Balkans, where large predators and herbivores are now thriving in ecosystems that were once considered too fragmented or degraded to support them.

The book identifies several key factors behind the wildlife comeback in Eastern Europe. One major driver is the rewilding movement, which involves restoring natural processes and habitats by allowing ecosystems to recover without direct human intervention. This includes the abandonment of farmlands after the collapse of collective farming systems in the 1990s, which led to the regrowth of forests and grasslands. Another critical factor is the reduction in hunting pressure, as economic shifts and conservation policies made traditional hunting less viable. Additionally, the book emphasizes the role of protected areas, such as national parks and reserves, which now cover over 1.2 million square kilometers in the region. These areas provide safe havens for wildlife to breed and expand their ranges. Platt also notes the importance of transboundary cooperation, as many species migrate across borders, requiring coordinated conservation efforts between countries like Poland, Slovakia, and Ukraine.

A central theme in Beasts of the East is the challenge of human-wildlife coexistence, particularly as large predators like wolves and bears return to areas where they had been absent for generations. The book discusses how local communities, many of which rely on agriculture or forestry, are adapting to this new reality. In some cases, conflicts arise when predators prey on livestock, leading to financial losses for farmers. However, Platt highlights successful mitigation strategies, such as the use of guard dogs, improved fencing, and compensation programs funded by governments or NGOs. The book also explores how ecotourism is emerging as a way to turn wildlife presence into an economic asset, with countries like Romania attracting visitors eager to see bears and wolves in the wild. This shift in perspective reflects a growing recognition that wildlife can coexist with human activities if managed carefully.

Platt examines the role of government policies in facilitating wildlife recovery, noting that some countries in Eastern Europe have adopted progressive conservation laws. For example, Poland’s Nature 2000 network, part of the European Union’s biodiversity strategy, has designated over 14,000 sites across the country to protect habitats and species. Similarly, Romania has expanded its network of protected areas, including the Apuseni Natural Park, which is home to one of Europe’s largest populations of brown bears. However, the book also points out ongoing challenges, such as illegal poaching, weak enforcement of environmental laws, and political instability in some regions. Platt warns that without continued investment in conservation and public support, the progress made so far could be reversed. The book underscores the need for long-term strategies that balance ecological goals with the socio-economic realities of local communities.