Variability of concentration sites of wisents from the Bieszczady population in multiannual cycle

Abstract

Changes in the location of sites where wisents tend to concentrate, were studied over the period 2001–2012 in Bieszczady Mountains, SE Poland. The area of MCP of this population, counting presently about 140 animals, differed between seasons (was smaller in winter by almost 20%). Also the area of concentration sites identified as kernel 50%, that on average covered about 5% of MCP regardless of the season, was smaller in winter by about 23%. The location of concentration sites of this population and their area were highly variable as well in consecutive seasons as from the year to year. Only about 20% of the total area of those sites in vegetative seasons, and about 24% in winter were overlapping during the whole studied period. Discussed are possible explanations for this phenomenon, as well as its implications for planned introductions of wisents and the management of their free ranging populations.