A complex project for the conservation of European bison in Poland by State Forests (2017–2020)

Abstract

To this time in Poland many projects were carried out towards conservation of captive population and improvement of habitat conditions in forest complexes inhabited by the E. bison. Thanks to realized projects the situation and welfare of this species was visibly improved. The species requires continuation of conservation activities. The new project aim to ensure the stability of the perspectives for the development of European bison population. The project include: (a) conservation of the existing E. bison population (ex situ and in situ) and their monitoring, (b) dispersion of the E. bison within Poland and outside for meta-population creation, (c) creation of professional Gene Bank of E. bison, (d) promotion of the idea of European bison conservation and promotion of State Forests. The project is conducted in the partnership of State Forests, Białowieża National Park, Warsaw University of Life Sciences and European Bison Friends Society. It allows for conduction of coordinated activities involving almost the entire population of E. bison in Poland both free ranging and in captivity.