The European bison, also known as the wisent, is native to the European continent. As Europe’s heaviest wild land animal, its presence once spanned vast forests and open woodlands. Historical pressures led to a dramatic decline, pushing this iconic species to the brink of extinction. Today, the European bison’s story is one of remarkable recovery, particularly in countries that have provided a strong foothold for its resurgence.
The Primary Haven for European Bison
Poland currently maintains the largest population of European bison, holding a significant role in the species’ recovery. As of May 2025, Poland’s European bison population reached 3,060 individuals, with 2,855 roaming freely across eight distinct forests. This represents almost 44% of the estimated 7,000 European bison found across the continent. The Białowieża Forest, an ancient woodland straddling the border between Poland and Belarus, serves as a primary refuge for the species.
This forest’s ecological importance stems from its role as a historical stronghold and starting point for reintroduction efforts. The Polish side of Białowieża Forest alone hosts the country’s largest free-ranging herd, numbering around 870 bison as of May 2025. Its diverse landscape, featuring open meadows, dense woodlands, and water sources, provides an ideal habitat. Poland’s commitment to bison conservation, particularly centered around Białowieża, has been key to the species’ resurgence.
The Journey of European Bison Recovery
The European bison faced a severe decline, leading to its extinction in the wild during the early 20th century. The last wild European bison in Poland was killed in 1921, and the last known wild individual globally was shot in the Western Caucasus in 1927. By that year, only 48 to 54 individuals remained worldwide, all confined to zoos and private collections. This prompted international conservation efforts.
In 1923, the Society for the Protection of the European Bison was established, initiating a breeding program from these remaining captive animals. Reintroduction into the wild began with two bison released into the Białowieża Forest in 1929, leading to over 100 individuals by 1964. Modern herds are managed as two separate genetic lines: the lowland line, descended from seven individuals, and a lowland-Caucasian line, originating from 12 ancestors. These efforts have successfully brought the species back from the brink, with free-ranging herds now found in numerous European countries.
Securing the Future of European Bison
Ongoing conservation strategies for the European bison involve expanding existing herds and establishing new free-ranging populations. A significant challenge is the limited genetic diversity within the current population, which originated from a small number of founders. This low genetic variability can make the species more vulnerable to diseases and genetic disorders. To address this, conservationists monitor genetic health and manage breeding programs to preserve existing diversity.
Habitat connectivity is another important aspect of long-term conservation, ensuring bison can move safely between different areas. Community involvement and international cooperation are also crucial for the species’ continued success. Projects focus on educating local communities, mitigating human-wildlife conflicts, and securing funding for habitat management. These efforts aim to ensure the European bison thrives as a natural component of European ecosystems for generations to come.