From Niepołomice throughout the world

Abstract

The European Bison Breeding Center in Niepołomice was established in 1936 and first animals, couple PUK and PUSTA, came two years later. On the beginning of year 1954 the herd counted 28 animals. In this year the outbreak of food and mouth disease influenced badly the herd. The Lowland-Caucasian line kept in Center was exchanged into Lowland line in year 1976. In total 255 bison were born in Niepołomice and 158 from them were transferred to other herds. Most important of them were Polish Breeding Centers: Smardzewice (22 animals) and Pszczyna (14 bison). Many bison were released in Bieszczady (33) in Borecka Forest (17), and Westpomeranian region (2). The large group of bison, all together 47 specimens, were exported to other countries, mainly Germany (18). The influence of Niepołomice herd for European bison restitution is important and ignificant.