The story of the European bison is a remarkable example of species recovery after near-total extinction in the wild. This animal, the heaviest land mammal on the continent, was once widespread across Europe. Sustained hunting and habitat loss drove its numbers down until the last wild individuals were killed in the early 20th century. The species survived only in captivity, but conservation efforts have seen its population grow to over 7,000 free-roaming individuals across Europe today. This success is not evenly distributed, as the largest concentrations are found in specific eastern European countries where reintroduction efforts began decades ago.
Defining the European Bison
The European bison (Bison bonasus) possesses a distinct appearance from its American relative, being generally taller, more slender, and having less shaggy fur over its body. A mature bull can weigh up to 850 kilograms and stand over two meters tall at the shoulder, making it an imposing presence in the European landscape. Historically, this species ranged from the Pyrenees in the west to the Volga and Caucasus Mountains in the east, inhabiting a mix of open areas and forests.
The genetic vulnerability of the entire species is a continuing concern for conservationists. Every living European bison descends from just 12 captive individuals, creating a severe genetic bottleneck. This means the modern population has extremely low genetic diversity and exhibits a high level of inbreeding compared to other wild bovine species. The limited gene pool is a constant challenge for the long-term viability of the herds, making them susceptible to disease and environmental changes.
The Country Holding the Largest Herd
The country that holds the largest concentration of European bison is Poland, which has been instrumental in the species’ survival and reintroduction. Poland maintains a population of approximately 3,060 individuals, placing it among the top countries globally for total bison numbers. This concentration is centered on the Białowieża Forest, an ancient woodland straddling the border with Belarus, which served as one of the species’ last natural refuges. The Polish section of the Białowieża Forest is home to the largest single free-ranging herd of European bison, numbering around 870 animals. Poland’s total population is managed across several herds, allowing for both free-ranging and semi-free populations, and represents the most successful and longest-running reintroduction program for the species.
Conservation and Rewilding Efforts
The re-establishment of the European bison population stemmed from intensive captive breeding programs initiated in the 1920s. These programs carefully managed the lineage of the 12 founder animals to produce viable herds for release. The first successful reintroduction into the wild occurred in the Polish part of the Białowieża Forest in 1954, beginning a deliberate process of rewilding.
Habitat management is a major component of these conservation strategies, focusing on maintaining the mosaic of forest and open grassland areas that the bison favor. Conservationists often provide winter feed to support large herd sizes and mitigate their impact on the surrounding forest during lean months. A persistent challenge is managing the human-wildlife conflict that arises when expanding bison herds wander onto agricultural lands, causing crop damage. Ongoing veterinary oversight is also required to protect the genetically homogeneous herds from potential epidemics.
Secondary Bison Populations in Europe
While Poland holds one of the largest concentrations, the overall recovery of the species is a continent-wide project involving over 30 countries. Russia is currently reported as having the largest total population, with approximately 3,073 individuals, and Belarus is close behind with around 2,927 bison. These three nations collectively host the vast majority of the world’s wisent.
Beyond these eastern European strongholds, numerous smaller, newly established herds are contributing to the species’ wider distribution. For example, Romania has a growing population of over 450 individuals, Germany has herds totaling over 640 animals, and Lithuania manages a population of approximately 339. These smaller, geographically isolated herds are strategically important for expanding the bison’s range and securing the species against localized threats.