The European bison, also known as the wisent or Żubr, is Europe’s largest land mammal and a symbol of the continent’s wild heritage. Historically, these bovines roamed vast swathes of Europe, playing a role in its ecosystems and human cultures. Their enduring presence today, particularly in Poland, reflects a remarkable journey of survival. Dedicated conservation efforts have brought them back from the brink of extinction.
Characteristics of the European Bison
The European bison (Bison bonasus) has a robust physique. Adult males, or bulls, can reach 1.8 to 2.1 meters (5.9 to 6.9 feet) at the shoulder and weigh 630 to 920 kilograms (1,389 to 2,028 pounds). Females, or cows, are smaller, typically 1.69 to 1.97 meters (5.5 to 6.5 feet) tall and weighing 424 to 633 kilograms (935 to 1,396 pounds). They have a prominent hump over their shoulders and a shaggy, brown coat that thickens in winter.
Both sexes have short, curved horns that point upwards and inwards, growing continuously. While sharing ancestry with American bison (Bison bison), European bison are more slender with a less pronounced hump. They also have shorter hair on their neck, head, and forequarters, and their tails are hairier. Their longer legs contribute to a taller stature.
Habitat and Behavior
European bison primarily inhabit ancient forests and mixed woodlands, also utilizing clearings and meadows. They thrive in deciduous and mixed coniferous forests, including pine and spruce stands with ground cover. Humid alder forests can also be part of their habitat, but they avoid swamps.
These social animals typically live in herds often led by a dominant female. Older males frequently lead solitary lives or form small bachelor groups outside the breeding season. Their diet is herbivorous, consisting of grasses, herbs, leaves, and twigs. They also browse on bark from trees such as oak, hornbeam, and mountain ash. While generally calm, European bison can move swiftly, capable of jumping across a three-meter ditch or over a two-meter fence from a standing position.
Journey from Near Extinction
The European bison’s history is one of dramatic decline, culminating in their extinction in the wild in the early 20th century. Over centuries, relentless hunting and habitat destruction severely depleted their populations across Europe. By the end of World War I, only a handful survived in captivity, with the last wild European bison reportedly perishing in the Caucasus in 1927.
An international breeding program was launched following World War I to save the species. This initiative gathered the remaining 54 captive bison; only 13 successfully reproduced, forming the genetic foundation for all present-day European bison. Poland played a significant role in this recovery, with the first European bison reintroduced into the Białowieża Forest in 1929. This methodical reintroduction from captive populations into the wild, starting in the 1950s, marked a major conservation success. By 1964, over 100 bison existed in the Białowieża Forest, which regained its status as home to the world’s largest wild European bison population.
Ongoing Conservation and Future
Despite their comeback, European bison face several challenges. Habitat fragmentation remains a concern, as it limits movement and genetic exchange between isolated herds. Disease outbreaks can also threaten smaller, less genetically diverse populations. Human-wildlife conflict, arising from bison venturing into agricultural areas or encountering infrastructure, requires careful management for coexistence.
Conservation strategies focus on several areas. Protected areas provide safe havens for established herds and enable expansion. Genetic diversity management is a high priority, with conservationists working to reduce inbreeding by moving animals between populations. Translocations, relocating bison to new areas, establish new herds across Europe, increasing the species’ distribution and resilience. These efforts, including creating protected areas with open pastures, have contributed to a significant increase in wild European bison populations, growing from 1,800 in 2003 to over 6,200 by 2019. The European bison’s continued success hinges on sustained protection, adaptive management, and international cooperation for long-term survival.