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    European bison

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    Habitat destruction & overhunting led to extinction in the wild, now gradually being reintroduced

    Michael Gäbler

    Living in temperate deciduous forests, sometimes coming out to browse. These magnificent creatures can grow up to 2 m (6.5 ft) tall and weigh over 900 kg (2,000 pounds), making them one of the largest land animals in Europe. They have a distinctive brown coat and a shaggy mane that runs down their neck and shoulders, giving them a regal appearance. European bison are herbivores and primarily graze on grasses and other vegetation.

    European bison were once hunted to near extinction like their North American counterparts. By the early 20th century, only a handful of individuals remained in the wild. However, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, their population has rebounded to over 6,000 individuals today. European bison are now classified as “vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). They still face threats and require ongoing conservation efforts to ensure their survival.

    Distribution

    Country
    Population est.
    Status
    Year
    Comments
    Austria
    11
    Official estimate
    NT
    2020
    Azerbaijan
    18
    Official estimate
    NT
    2020
    Belarus
    2,356
    Official estimate
    NT
    2020
    Reintroduced
    Belgium
    22
    Official estimate
    NT
    2020
    Reintroduced
    Bulgaria
    68
    Official estimate
    NT
    2020
    Reintroduced
    Croatia
    2
    Official estimate
    NT
    2020
    Czechia
    142
    Official estimate
    NT
    2020
    Denmark
    16
    Official estimate
    NT
    2020
    Estonia
    12
    Official estimate
    NT
    2020
    Reintroduced
    Finland
    15
    Official estimate
    NT
    2020
    France
    123
    Official estimate
    NT
    2020
    Germany
    609
    Official estimate
    NT
    2020
    Reintroduced
    Hungary
    61
    Official estimate
    NT
    2020
    Ireland
    15
    Official estimate
    NT
    2020
    Italy
    3
    Official estimate
    NT
    2020
    Latvia
    5
    2020
    Liechtenstein
    Official estimate
    EX
    Extinct 1927
    Lithuania
    329
    Official estimate
    NT
    2020
    Reintroduced
    Moldova
    7
    2020
    Reintroduced
    Netherlands
    78
    Official estimate
    NT
    2020
    Reintroduced
    Poland
    2,316
    Official estimate
    NT
    2020
    Reintroduced
    Portugal
    2
    2020
    Romania
    214
    Official estimate
    NT
    2020
    Reintroduced
    Russia
    1,798
    Official estimate
    NT
    2020
    Reintroduced
    Serbia
    5
    Official estimate
    NT
    2020
    Reintroduced
    Slovakia
    85
    Official estimate
    NT
    2020
    Reintroduced
    Spain
    142
    Official estimate
    NT
    2020
    Sweden
    142
    Official estimate
    NT
    2020
    Switzerland
    50
    Official estimate
    NT
    2020
    Ukraine
    387
    Official estimate
    NT
    2020
    Reintroduced
    United Kingdom
    4
    Official estimate
    NT
    2020

    Recent updates

    • 2023: According to All About Bison, in certain regions, the European bison population has made remarkable progress, with a recent report indicating the establishment of a new herd consisting of approximately 150 individuals.

    Did you know?

    • Both males and females have horns.
    • European bison have less sharp eyesight compared to their other senses. Their large forward-facing eyes offer a broad field of view rather than precise visual details, making it challenging for them to discern distant objects or fine details.
    • The footprints of European bison resemble those of cattle and moose. Their front hooves create larger imprints compared to their hind legs.

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    Get to know me

    Terrestrial / Aquatic

    Altricial / Precocial

    Polygamous / Monogamous

    Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

    Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

    Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd

    Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

    Migratory: Yes / No

    Domesticated: Yes / No

    Dangerous: Yes / No

    European Bison

    Belarus 100 Rubles
    EXEWCRENVUNTLCDDNE
    Near Threatened(IUCN)
    World Population 9,558

    15 – 18% yearly increase in population

    Added by BioDB
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    Threats

    Habitat destruction / Climate change / Freshwater pollution / Marine pollution / Deforestation / Farming / Fishing practices / Poaching & wildlife trade / Invasive species / Parasites & diseases / Noise pollution / Light pollution

    My ID

    Scientific name: Bison bonasus Other names:

    European wood bison
    Wisent
    Zubr
    European buffalo

     Number of subspecies: 3 Name of subspecies:

    B. b. bonasus
    B. b. caucasicus (Extinct)
    B. b. hungarorum (Extinct)

    Physical traits

    Height: 1.8 – 2. m (6 – 10 ft) Length: 3 – 3.3 m (9 – 11 ft) Weight Male: 615 – 920 kg (1,356 – 2,028 pounds) Weight Female: 424 – 633 kg (935 – 1,396 pounds) Lifespan: 20 – 30 years Speed: 55 km/h (40 mph) When species evolved: Pleistocene Species evolved years ago: 15,000 years ago Gestation: 264 days Offspring: 1 calf
    Habitats: Forest Shrubland Savannah/Grassland
    Regions: Asia Europe
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