The using of new areas for free-ranging group of European bison (Bison bonasus) in European Russia

Abstract

Formation of free-ranging European bison populations is an important object in preserving this species. Such problems as using the area and space use when establishing new free-ranging groups deserve special attention as a part of creation free-ranging European bison population. This paper includes the results of European bison space use monitoring during establishing free-ranging group in Kaluzhskie Zaseki Nature Reserve, Russia. The analysis includes data collected during the period between 2004 and 2007. The main method of data acquisition is mapping of tracks and traces of vital activity along fixed routes. The herd under observation included 30 animals at the end of the research period. In 2001 the herd was let out
in Orlovskoe Polesie National Park and came to Kaluzhskie Zaseki Nature Reserve. In 2004 European bison had occupied almost the entire woodland of southern part of the reserve. In snowy period the entire herd keeps close to the feeding site. In snowless period adult males separate from female part of the herd. Since 2005 groups of cows and calves have a well-defined
seasonal cycle of space usage.