Bison Bonasus II

Location: +45° 34' 50.8" +24° 53' 33.5"

The European Bison holds the title of largest wild land animal in Europe, capable of reaching speeds up to 54 km/h, growing up to 3 meters long, and weighing as much as 850 kg. Once on the brink of extinction, this majestic creature was saved thanks to conservation efforts that began in a Polish zoo. Breeding programs and reintroductions in countries like Poland, Germany, and Romania have fueled its impressive comeback.

By 1927, the last wild European bison was killed in the Caucasus, leaving only 54 individuals alive, all in captivity. The species was nearly wiped out by 1924, but through dedicated conservation, the population has grown to approximately 7,000 free-roaming bison as of 2021.

Although the European bison never lived in Britain, a close relative of the now-extinct forest bison (Bison schoetensacki) once roamed there during the Pleistocene era. The European bison serves as a modern-day stand-in for this extinct species. It shares many characteristics with the American bison, including a preference for grazing low grasses, but its head is held higher, allowing it to browse on woody plants, especially during winter and early spring.

As a keystone species, the European bison plays a critical role in shaping its environment. Stripping bark from trees, it opens up forest areas, encouraging grasslands to flourish and supporting a variety of wildlife like butterflies, insects, and reptiles. Their trampling and wallowing in sand create unique habitats that benefit pioneer plants and small animals.