Rewilding Earth Podcast: Episode 133 | Beyond National Parks: Kris Tompkins’ Ambitious Vision For Continental-Scale Rewilding

Host: Jack Humphrey
Guest: Chris Tompkins, Co-founder of Tompkins Conservation
Release Date: October 11, 2024

Introduction: A Legacy of Conservation

In Episode 133 of the Rewilding Earth podcast, host Jack Humphrey welcomes Chris Tompkins, co-founder of Tompkins Conservation. Together with her late husband, Doug Tompkins, Chris has established an impressive legacy in wildlife conservation, including the creation of 15 national parks and marine sanctuaries across Argentina and Chile. Their efforts have been instrumental in safeguarding numerous species such as jaguars, giant otters, various macaws, giant anteaters, and Darwin's rhea.

Notable Quote:
"You're listening to the Rewilding Earth podcast... The Tompkins conservation story continues to unfold in some surprising ways."
— Jack Humphrey [01:04]

Expanding Horizons: Beyond the Established Parks

Rather than resting on their laurels, Chris Tompkins expresses a relentless drive to expand conservation efforts beyond national parks. She emphasizes the importance of looking at the broader picture and addressing what has yet to be done in the face of accelerating climate change and species extinction.

Notable Quote:
"Most of us, we don't look back so much... It's much less interesting to me than looking out and really defining what are the things not being done."
— Chris Tompkins [03:16]

Continental-Scale Rewilding: Reconnecting the Southern Cone

Chris introduces her ambitious vision: reconnection of the Southern Cone of South America to the rest of the continent's ecosystems. This involves linking Chile up the Andes to Colombia and connecting Argentina with neighboring countries like Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Uruguay. She believes that such large-scale efforts are crucial for the biological integration of the region.

Notable Quote:
"I want to see us reconnect the Southern cone of South America back up to the rest of the continent biologically."
— Chris Tompkins [00:11]

Rewilding Efforts: Challenges and Successes

The conversation delves into the practical aspects of rewilding, particularly focusing on the jaguar restoration program. Chris discusses the complexities of reintroducing top predators, the necessity of understanding past extinctions, and the tailored strategies required for each species. She highlights the success of their initiatives, noting that out of 24-25 species being worked on, none have regressed.

Notable Quote:
"We have been running a jaguar breeding center for 12 years now... we were prepared with a full blown provincial and national campaign to try to convince people that jaguars should come back."
— Chris Tompkins [23:39]

Community Engagement: Turning Enemies into Advocates

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the importance of community involvement. Chris emphasizes transforming perceptions of historically adversarial species like jaguars into local heroes. By engaging with communities, educating the public, and demonstrating the benefits of rewilding, they have successfully fostered a supportive environment for wildlife.

Notable Quote:
"How do you turn a species who has historically been an enemy into a rock star?"
— Chris Tompkins [22:54]

The Jaguar Recovery Program: Lessons and Innovations

Chris provides an in-depth look at the jaguar recovery program. Starting from challenges in acquiring jaguars for reintroduction, the team established a breeding center, leading to the successful release of 25-30 jaguars into the wild. These jaguars are now dispersing beyond their initial protected areas, illustrating the program's effectiveness.

Notable Quote:
"We have 25 to 30 Jaguars that we're aware of running free. It is already starting to disperse out of a 1.8 million acre wetland complex."
— Chris Tompkins [24:42]

Reconnecting Ecosystems: The Pantanal and Beyond

The conversation shifts to the logistical and environmental considerations of connecting vast ecosystems like the Pantanal using natural corridors such as the Andes and major river systems. Chris highlights the feasibility of such projects due to relatively undisturbed river systems and the positive reception from governmental bodies like Brazil's Minister of Environment.

Notable Quote:
"In the west you have the Andes and in the northeastern side of the continent you have these enormous river systems... people respond really well to this."
— Chris Tompkins [15:03]

Building for the Future: Generational Leadership

Chris discusses the importance of nurturing subsequent generations to sustain and expand conservation efforts. She underscores the need for building third and even fourth generations of conservation leaders who can continue the mission beyond her and her husband's direct involvement.

Notable Quote:
"We hope there maybe we're a vague memory, but we want to see this style of work and the commitment to this work go long after we're gone."
— Chris Tompkins [13:54]

Overcoming Infrastructure Challenges: Wildlife Corridors

Addressing the practical challenges of rewilding, Chris talks about the necessity of creating wildlife corridors that accommodate existing infrastructure like highways. She gives examples of successful jaguar movements across rivers and the collaborative efforts with local governments and communities to facilitate safe passage and coexistence.

Notable Quote:
"You can't wait for everything to be protected. It never will be and probably shouldn't be."
— Chris Tompkins [27:23]

Turning Setbacks into Successes: Adaptive Strategies

Chris shares experiences of setbacks, such as the initial failure to reintroduce red-shouldered macaws, and how her team adapted by engaging the community to protect the species actively. These stories illustrate the importance of resilience, adaptability, and community involvement in successful rewilding projects.

Notable Quote:
"How do you turn the conversation from a very ancient fear with a lot of these species into something that brings back truckloads of pride."
— Chris Tompkins [25:30]

The Road Ahead: Continental Rewilding and Beyond

As the episode concludes, Chris reiterates her commitment to continental-scale rewilding. She discusses recent positive developments, such as supportive meetings with Brazilian officials, and maintains an optimistic outlook on the feasibility of her ambitious plans. Her closing remarks inspire listeners to embrace boldness in conservation efforts.

Notable Quote:
"We have nothing to lose... Our work always has to be grounded in the reality of is there a possibility of pulling something off because we don't have enough money time to be wrong too often."
— Chris Tompkins [09:08]

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Jack Humphrey wraps up the episode by praising Chris Tompkins and her team's extensive contributions to global conservation. He highlights the significance of their achievements and the inspiration they provide to rewilding efforts worldwide.

Notable Quote:
"We are just creating circumstances and being deeply respectful in some ways."
— Chris Tompkins [35:08]

Final Thoughts

Episode 133 of the Rewilding Earth podcast offers a comprehensive look into Chris Tompkins' visionary approach to conservation. Her focus on large-scale ecological integration, community engagement, and generational leadership provides valuable insights for anyone passionate about rewilding and environmental preservation.

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