Researchers see comeback for Europe's rare animals

[September 27, 2013]  BERLIN (AP) -- Wild boars, greys wolves and white-tailed eagles have made a comeback in Europe thanks to decades-long conservation efforts.

A study published Thursday by the London Zoological Society claims dozens of species have been brought back from the brink of extinction and some are now thriving.

Researchers from BirdLife International and the European Bird Census Council contributed to the study, which found that protecting habitats, restricting hunting, reducing pollution and the careful reintroduction were key to the species' survival.

The population of European bison, also known as wisent, has increased more than 3,000 percent since the 1950s, the study said.

Still, researchers noted that many of the 18 mammal and 19 bird species studied in the report remain in peril.

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[Associated Press]

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