Restitution of the European bison Bison bonasus (L. 1758) as a component of active conservation within Natura 2000 sites of Western Pomerania

Abstract

Presented is the history of European bison reintroduction to the region since 1980. The whole population started from 8 individuals brought from Bialowieska Forest to Wałcz Forest District. Until 2004 the main concern regarding this population were compensations for damaged crops, participation of bison in road accidents, and cases of poaching. By that time this population reached a number of 26 animals. Since 2004 the program for protection of European bison in Western Pomerania voivodship was initiated. Under the framework of the program 24 animals were reintroduced to the region to supplement the existing herd and to create new initial groups in two forest districts. Important for the success of E. bison conservation was the implementation of Natura 2000 network.