Ecological resurgence

Ecological resurgence describes the reclamation of abandoned or disused human developments by surrounding ecological elements. It may involve the regrowth of plants in defoliated areas, increased reproduction and population of wild animals, or the obscuring of human-built structures by sand, snow, ice, or water.

Causes

Military exclusion

Certain locations may become restricted to the general public due to the presence of land mines, unexploded ordnance, or other military hazards posing a threat to civilian safety.

Demilitarized zones

When a demilitarized zone is established between hostile territories, the minimal or lack of human presence induced by heightened border security and access restriction occasionally produces conditions conducive to ecological resurgence.

The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea has come to harbor several endangered species of plants and animals. The red-crowned crane, white-naped crane, Siberian tiger, Amur tiger, and Asiatic black bear have been documented within the Korean DMZ. 2,900 plant species, 70 mammalian species, and 320 avian species have been identified throughout the DMZ, and the dearth of human activity has permitted

The efforts of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) to restrict hunting access and monitor rubbish dumping, have allowed for the preservation and re-proliferation of plant and animal life throughout the United Nations Buffer Zone in Cyprus.

Pollution and contamination

Locations that have become unsuitable for human habitation as a result of pollution, radioactive contamination, or chemical hazards often contain threats to the health of other organisms. However, it is often impossible to prevent the return of such organisms to the area while human access remains restricted or limited. These returning organisms are subsequently able to reproduce without the threat of hunting or habitat invasion. In many cases, the organisms will be affected by any remaining contamination, exhibiting a variety of symptoms in response to exposure.

The city of Pripyat, Ukraine and other formerly inhabited locations throughout the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ) have experienced extensive reforestation and regrowth of numerous species of vegetation. Flourishing populations of several previously extirpated species such as boars, wolves, and bears, as well as a herd of re-introduced Przewalski's Horses have appeared throughout the CEZ since its establishment. Populations that have developed in the least contaminated areas of the CEZ demonstrate the highest quality of health. Tumors, infertility and lower brain weight have been reported in many small animals such as mice and birds living in areas subject to severe contamination.

Urban decay

Urban decay is the process by which a municipality falls into disrepair and abandonment as a result of economic decline or restructuring, unemployment, crime, or war. Each of these factors may result in the reduction of an area's human population, which may be brought on by migration, death, or declining birth rate.

Features

A variety of features characterize an ecological resurgence, all of which may or may not be present in an area experiencing the phenomenon.

• Reforestation
• Revegetation
• Repopulation or growth in population of indigenous or extirpated species

Involuntary parks

Coined by author and environmentalist Bruce Sterling, an involuntary park is any previously inhabited location that has been subject to an ecological resurgence.

Examples

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