Presents an astonishing view of the continent's flora and fauna and reveals the wildlife and landscapes of all 48 European countries. With a focus on conservation and reintroducing vulnerable species to their natural habitats, the accompanying texts express hope for the future of European biodiversity.

"All the photographs in this book were taken by photographers affiliated with Wild Wonders of Europe, the largest photography-centered nature-conservation project ever undertaken"--Jacket flap.

Combining comment with research abounding in historical and cultural detail, this book tells how from the 16th to the 20th century The Balkans have been perceived by west European travellers, many of whom have seen it as part of Asia and sought accordingly to inform their contemporaries of its exotic, outlandish and primitive ways.

"Like the United States' national parks, those of Europe--from the British Isles to Europe's border with Asia--help to preserve the human heritage while providing vital green spaces for the animals that make them home"--

Some European lands have been progressively alleviated of human pressures, particularly traditional agriculture in remote areas. This book proposes that this land abandonment can be seen as an opportunity to restore natural ecosystems via rewilding. We define rewilding as the passive management of ecological successions having in mind the long-term goal of restoring natural ecosystem processes. The book aims at introducing the concept of rewilding to scientists, students and practitioners. The first part presents the theory of rewilding in the European context. The second part of the book directly addresses the link between rewilding, biodiversity, and habitats. The third and last part is dedicated to practical aspects of the implementation of rewilding as a land management option. We believe that this book will both set the basis for future research on rewilding and help practitioners think about how rewilding can take place in areas under their management.

In this inspiring manifesto, an internationally renowned ecologist makes a clear case for why protecting nature is our best health insurance, and why it makes economic sense.