Navigating challenges and opportunities in predator rewilding: perspectives from the recolonization of Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) in Norway

Rewilding predatory species has the potential to induce intricate trophic cascades and elicit multifaceted outcomes at biological and societal levels. The primary goal of rewilding is to restore ecological functionality and elevate species populations. However, the ecological interactions and socio-economic conflicts that emerge from rewilding are often underexplored in the literature. Natural recolonization of Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) in Norway is presented as a paradigmatic example of historic and novel conflicts and interactions across ecological and socio-economic domains that ensue after predator recovery. Expanding otter populations in Norway have already led to increased incidences of human-wildlife conflicts because of predation on endangered Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and seabird species, sometimes leading to the persecution of otters. The resulting tensions have created polarized views among conservation advocates and other stakeholder groups, including anglers, local river management organizations, eiderdown harvesters, and the aquaculture industry. Emblematic of many challenges confronted by practitioners of rewilding and restoration, we use the Norwegian case study to propose adaptive management strategies to mitigate these conflicts and promote coexistence, such as humane removal or translocation of otters, use of repellents or exclusion structures, habitat restoration, and compensation payments for losses. We also highlight knowledge gaps and emerging challenges to direct future research for conflict mitigation. Our findings can guide predator rewilding schemes more broadly; although focused on otters in Norway, this perspective offers general learning points and strategies for evidence-based management of predator recovery and human-wildlife interactions globally.