Megafauna Parks (W Palearctic)

A comprehensive list of every "megafauna" species that could be considered for rewilding projects in the W. Palearctic. All of these occurred within the region within the past 50.000 years and if they disappeared, they only did so after modern humans arrived. You can click any species which will show you a custom-made original range map and a short text on its status in our region.

The definition of 'megafauna' for the purposes of this project is pretty broad, and includes all terrestrial mammals that regularly weigh more than 3 kgs.
All species native to Europe, North Africa, the Levant and Arabia that fit this criterium are included in the guide. Globally extinct taxa have a † behind their name.

The exception is Mediterranean island endemics, which are omitted from the list to keep down clutter. These include the many species of dwarf elephant, dwarf hippo, etc.

Mammals that just barely didn't make the list because they're too small include rabbits, mustelids the size of pine marten and smaller, sand cat, the small foxes and the genet.

Non-native mammals (e.g. raccoon dog, coypu) were not included.
In addition to mammals, the largest of the non-flying reptiles were also included: crocodiles, monitor lizards, the Atlas tortoise and the ostrich.

Species iNat won't allow me to add: Narrow-nosed Rhinoceros & Atlas Tortoise, North-African White Rhinoceros

A case could be made to include animals present in the Eemian, the last interglacial with a climate similar to ours, as well. Extra animals would include Asian Black Bear, European Tahr (Hemitragus cedrensis), Haploidoceros mediterraneus (a deer), Soergelia minor (a bovine), Twisted-horned antelope (Spirocerus kiakhtensis?/Gazellospira?), Camelus knoblochi (a steppe camel) and Hystrix refossa (a porcupine). It's harder to determine if these animals went extinct due to early human presence or natural (climatic) conditions, though. less ↑