"It's very important to remember - for the same reasons we bought back many of these other species like beaver, river otter, fisher, bald eagle - that all these species have a role ecologically in these ecosystems. And so the same questions should be asked for species like large carnivores to help restore those ecological interactions and ecosystem services."

America’s apex predator is the cougar, or mountain lion. They’re thriving in the West, but were wiped out two centuries ago in the East, where talk of restoring them has simmered for decades. After spending time in New England during the summer of 2021 Ben Goldsmith became obsessed with this.

Working with Mighty Earth and a growing coalition of other groups, Ben is proud to be part of a growing campaign to reintroduce ‘catamounts’, as New Englanders called them. Join him in conversation with Renee Seacor from the Bring Catamounts Home campaign, and cougars expert from Panthera, Emily Carrollo.

Ben Goldsmith is a British financier and rewilding enthusiast. Join him as he speaks to people from all over the world who champion nature and are helping to restore habitats and wildlife to some of the most nature depleted parts of our planet.

This podcast is produced by The Podcast Coach.

Text Rewilding the World here. Let us know what you think of the podcast and if there are any rewilding projects you would love Ben to feature in future episodes.