Back from the brink

SummaryAgainst the backdrop of a global loss of biodiversity, some wildlife species have recovered from severe decimation, as a recent report shows for dozens of species in Europe. While these encouraging signs don’t diminish the current crisis of species loss, the analysis of the underlying reasons — ranging from targeted conservation measures to unintended consequences of changes in human behaviour — can help researchers understand what measures may help to save other species as well. Michael Gross reports