The European bison, also known as the wisent, stands as a remarkable species deeply embedded in the historical tapestry of European ecosystems. This animal, once a widespread inhabitant of the continent’s diverse landscapes, represents a journey from the brink of extinction to a steady recovery, highlighting significant conservation achievements.
Current Global Population
The global population of European bison has shown encouraging growth in recent years, reflecting successful conservation efforts. As of 2025, the total estimated number of European bison stands at approximately 11,180 individuals. Around 8,812 animals live freely within natural habitats or large reserves, while the remainder are maintained in captive or semi-free conditions. These figures are derived from comprehensive annual surveys, indicating a positive upward trend.
From Near Extinction to Recovery
The European bison faced a dramatic decline, driven by extensive overhunting and widespread habitat destruction across Europe. By the early 20th century, the species was pushed to the brink of extinction. The last wild European bison in Poland was killed in 1921, and the final wild individual in the western Caucasus region fell to poachers in 1927, rendering the species extinct in its natural habitat.
At this point, fewer than 50 individuals survived globally, all confined to zoos and private collections. The entire modern population of European bison descends from a mere 12 founder animals from these captive populations, highlighting a severe genetic bottleneck. Following World War I, conservationists initiated breeding programs to save the species. These efforts formed the foundation for their eventual recovery, leading to the first reintroductions into the wild in the Białowieża Forest in 1952.
Key Conservation Approaches
Sustaining and growing the European bison population after its initial recovery relies on several conservation strategies. Habitat restoration and protection are important, focusing on expanding and connecting suitable environments for the herds. Genetic management is another key component, utilizing translocation programs to move individuals between herds to enhance genetic diversity and mitigate the historic bottleneck.
Translocation initiatives are also important for establishing new free-ranging herds and expanding the species’ geographic range. Anti-poaching measures are enforced to safeguard these vulnerable populations from illegal hunting. International cooperation among countries and conservation organizations plays an important role, ensuring coordinated efforts and shared expertise in protecting the European bison across its fragmented range.
Geographic Distribution
European bison today are found across a growing number of European countries. Significant free-ranging herds exist in Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Latvia, Switzerland, Kyrgyzstan, and Germany. New populations have also been established in countries such as Lithuania, Moldova, Spain, Denmark, the Czech Republic, and Portugal.
The Białowieża Primeval Forest, straddling the border between Poland and Belarus, continues to host the largest free-living European bison population. While some populations inhabit ancient forests, many also thrive in mosaic landscapes that combine woodlands with open grasslands and managed reserves. Despite increasing numbers, these populations are often fragmented, existing as distinct herds rather than a continuous, widespread distribution.