Are European Bison Set for a Conservation Comeback?

by
posted on March 24, 2016
european_bison_f.jpg

Photo Courtesy of Joep van de Vlasakker

If the American bison is the largest terrestrial animal in North America, then what animal is the largest in Europe? The European bison, of course. But while it once roamed continent-wide, the less prolific European species was almost extinct by 1919. Thanks to the captive breeding of 54 animals kept in zoos, their number now totals 3,000 in the wild, and the Netherlands-based group Rewilding Europe is set to release 24 more on Apr. 24. The initiative, led by a Dutch group of conservationists and scientists, is part of an experiment to return the continent’s large grazing animal species—bison, red deer and wild horses—to their former numbers. 

In restoring European bison to its historic range, four animals will be introduced to the Netherlands’ Veluwe region with 20 others released in Romania’s Maashorst nature preserve to join four others that were recently released. According to news reports, Rewilding Europe hopes to establish at least five herds of 100 bison each by 2022. It deems the reintroduction of European bison to be  particularly critical as this animal once roamed from England to Russia and thrived in lowland areas from Sweden and Greece to France. By comparison, nearly 30,000 American bison inhabit America, with 11,000 of the wood bison subspecies inhabiting Canada. For perspective, even the endangered black rhino has an estimated wild population of 5,000.

If all goes well, Europeans and tourists may one day be treated to regular scenes of grazing European bison herds. Plans for 2017 already include releasing bison in Croatia’s Velebit mountain range. In addition to population control by lynxes, bears and wolves, hunters eventually may play a role. While there would be no-hunting zones in core regions, bison that wander into the surrounding countryside one day may be fair game—and the sale of game likely would become  an important source of income for local residents.

In case you are curious, the European bison is taller and lankier than its American counterpart. Its horns face forward, making for better sparring with competitors, while horns of the American bison sweep up and come in handy for charging and goring predators.

Latest

R470 LEDE
R470 LEDE

First Look: Ravin R470 Crossbow

Ravin has announced the brand's most advanced crossbow to date, the R470. Designed to be the most accurate, user-friendly and high-performance crossbow on the market, the R470 combines a compact design with speed, durability and a silent, effortless cocking system.

Wildlife Violations Lead to $900,000 Fine

In early April, a federal judge in Brooklyn sentenced two men for trafficking protected birds and eggs into the United States in violation of the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). Dr. John Waldrop of Cataula, Ga., was ordered to pay a $900,000 fine—one of the largest-ever for an ESA case—and serve three years of probation. Toney Jones of Eufala, Ala., was sentenced to six months of probation.

Federal Custom Shop Adds 28-Gauge, Heavier 12-Gauge TSS Turkey Loads

Federal Ammunition has expanded its Custom Shop offerings with the addition of two new 28-gauge and four new 12-gauge TSS loads, providing even more flexibility for hunters seeking to elevate their performance. These latest additions are now available exclusively through the Federal Custom Shop.

Know How: Foul-Weather Toms

Wondering how to surprise a foul-weather tom? Scott Haugen has some answers in this month's Know How.

Hardware Review: Spandau S2 Realtree MAX-7

Those who are in the market for a new scattergun for wingshooting or even just a casual clay-busting session should check out the Spandau S2.

Henry American Construction Industry Tribute Edition

Henry Repeating Arms has debuted its American Construction Industry Tribute Edition, a new addition to its lineup of collectible Tribute Edition rifles that honors the men, women and companies who build America from the ground up.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.