Salvaje vs. silvestre
The Spanish words 'salvaje' and 'silvestre' have similar meanings in English, both translating to 'wild'. However, their use can vary depending on context.
Salvaje
'Salvaje' typically pertains to wild animals or things that are untamed and ferocious.
El león es un animal salvaje que vive en la selva.
(The lion is a wild animal that lives in the jungle.)
La belleza salvaje de la naturaleza.
(The wild beauty of nature.)
Las flores salvajes crecen sin control.
(Wild flowers grow without control.)
Silvestre
'Silvestre', on the other hand, usually refers to plants or animals that grow or live naturally in the wild but are not necessarily ferocious or untamed. It has a softer connotation and implies something is 'naturally occurring' or 'forest-like'.
La zarzamora es una fruta silvestre que se encuentra en el bosque.
(The blackberry is a wild fruit found in the forest.)
Los animales silvestres no están acostumbrados al contacto humano.
(Wildlife animals are not used to human contact.)
Summary
'Salvaje' and 'silvestre' both translate as 'wild', but they are used in different situations. While 'salvaje' is more related to things that are ferocious, untamed or untended, 'silvestre' refers to things that naturally occur in nature, and has a gentler, less menacing implication.