European bison

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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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

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