Journal of Ecosystem & Ecography
Open Access

Permafrost; Biodiversity; Climate change

Introduction

Peatland permafrost, found in high-latitude regions such as the Arctic and subarctic, is a unique and fragile ecosystem. It consists of layers of peat, a mixture of dead plant material and mosses, which accumulate and freeze over time. This frozen peat acts as a carbon sink, storing vast amounts of organic matter and preventing the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The delicate balance of peatland permafrost ecosystems depends on slow decomposition rates, low temperatures, and stable conditions [1 – 3 ].

Methodology

Rewilding, as a conservation strategy, offers hope for restoring and conserving peatland permafrost ecosystems. By reintroducing keystone species like beavers or muskoxen, rewilding projects aim to re-establish natural processes, such as grazing, digging, and dam-building, which can help maintain the health of peatlands. These activities, in turn, have the potential to enhance biodiversity, restore hydrological functions, and mitigate climate change by preserving permafrost [4, 5].

Risks and challenges

Despite its potential benefits, rewilding in peatland permafrost areas comes with significant risks and challenges:

Thawing permafrost: Introducing large herbivores can lead to soil compaction, which may increase the vulnerability of permafrost to thawing. Thawing permafrost can release stored carbon, methane, and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change.

Altered hydrology: Rewilding activities like dam-building by beavers can alter water flow patterns in peatlands. This may lead to changes in vegetation composition and water table levels, affecting the delicate balance of the ecosystem [6, 7].

Invasive species: Reintroducing species to an ecosystem can introduce new competitive pressures or facilitate the spread of invasive species, disrupting the native flora and fauna.

Human conflicts: As rewilding projects often involve the release of large mammals, conflicts with human activities, such as agriculture or infrastructure development, may arise.

Mitigating risks and responsible rewilding

To ensure the success of rewilding in peatland permafrost areas, careful planning and monitoring are essential. Mitigation strategies can include:

Scientific research: Conducting thorough scientific studies to understand the potential impacts of rewilding on permafrost ecosystems [8].

Adaptive management: Implementing rewilding projects in a phased manner with adaptive management plans that allow for adjustments based on real-time data.

Local engagement: Involving local communities and indigenous peoples in decision-making processes to ensure their perspectives and knowledge are considered.

Conservation priorities: Focusing rewilding efforts on areas where the benefits outweigh the risks and where conservation priorities align [9, 10 ].

(Table 1)

Table 1: Peatland permafrost.

(Table 2)

Table 2: Fragile beauty of peatland permafrost.

Conclusion

While rewilding holds immense potential for conservation and ecosystem restoration, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. In the case of peatland permafrost ecosystems, the risks associated with rewilding must be carefully weighed against the potential benefits. Responsible rewilding practices, guided by scientific research, community involvement, and adaptive management, can help strike a balance between conserving biodiversity and protecting the delicate equilibrium of these unique and vital ecosystems. As we navigate the challenges of rewilding, we must remember that the ultimate goal is to safeguard the health of our planet and the ecosystems that sustain life.

1. Sokal RR, Gurevitch J, Brown KA (2004) Long-term impacts of logging on forest diversity in Madagascar. PNAS 101: 6045-6049.

Google Scholar, Cross ref

2. Keifer Matthew, Casanova Vanessa, Garland John, Smidt Mathew, Struttmann Tim, et al. (2019) Foreword by the Editor-in-Chief and Guest Editors. J Agromedicine 24: 119-120.

Google Scholar, Crossref

3. Rodriguez Anabel, Casanova Vanessa, Levin Jeffrey L, Porras David Gimeno Ruiz de, Douphrate David I, et al. (2019) Work-Related Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Loggers in the Ark-La-Tex Region. Journal of Agromedicine 24: 167-176.

Google Scholar, Crossref

4. Asare Godfred, Sean Helmus (2012) Underwater Logging: Ghana's Experience with the Volta Lake Project. Nature Faune 27: 64-66.
5. Kagawa A, Leavitt SW (2010) Stable carbon isotopes of tree rings as a tool to pinpoint the geographic origin of timber. Journal of Wood Science 56: 175-183.

Google Scholar, Crossref

6. Irwin Aisling (2019) Tree sleuths are using DNA tests and machine vision to crack timber crimes. Nature 568: 19-21.

Google Scholar, Crossref

7. Hadei M, Yarahmadi M, Jonidi Jafari A, Farhadi M, Hashemi Nazari SS, et al. (2019) Effects of meteorological variables and holidays on the concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, O3, NO2, SO2, and CO in Tehran (2014-2018). JH&P 4: 1-14.

Google Scholar, Crossref

8. Velayatzadeh M, Davazdah Emami S (2019) Investigating the effect of vegetation on the absorption of carbon dioxide (Case study: Yadavaran oil field, Iran). JH&P 4: 147-154.

Google Scholar

9. Song Z, Bai Y, Wang D, Li T, He X (2021) Satellite Retrieval of Air Pollution Changes in Central and Eastern China during COVID-19 Lockdown Based on a Machine Learning Model. Remote Sensing 13: 2525.

Google Scholar, Crossref

10. Zhao S, Yin D, Yu Y, Kang S, Qin D, et al. (2020) PM2.5 and O3 pollution during 2015–2019 over 367 Chinese cities: Spatiotemporal variations, meteorological and topographical impacts. Environment Poll 264: 114694.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref