The European bison (Bison bonasus) is an impressive animal, the largest land mammal in Europe. Males can weigh up to 1,000 kilograms and stand over 1.8 meters tall. Despite their formidable appearance, they are gentle giants known for their peaceful nature and their symbiotic relationship with forest ecosystems, where they contribute to vegetation regeneration and create habitats for many other species.
Once widespread throughout Europe, the European bison faced near extinction in the late 19th century due to over-hunting and habitat loss. Only a few survived in captivity, but dedicated conservation efforts and breeding programs have gradually increased their numbers.
In Romania, efforts led by WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) and Rewilding Europe, supported by local communities and co-funded by the European Union's LIFE program, have successfully reintroduced these iconic animals into their natural habitat.
© Ola Jennersten / WWF-Sweden
Where?
In the Natura 2000 Tarcu Mountains site, located in the South-Western Carpathians.
Why here?
This area provides continuous and mosaic habitats ideal for the European bison, thanks to its connectivity with the Domogled - Cerna Valley National Park and the Retezat National Park. The species benefits from an extensive territory (over 150,000 hectares) and optimal conditions for recolonizing the Carpathians. In autumn 2023, a herd was even reported in the Domogled - Cerna Valley National Park, where they migrated naturally.
Romania's three reintroduction areas are the Vânători-Neamț Natural Park, the Țarcu Mountains, and the Făgăraș Mountains.
To ensure the survival of the European bison and establish a viable population, continued investment in nature is crucial. The current wild population exceeds 200 individuals, but this number is still insufficient for long-term viability. Factors such as high anthropogenic pressure, disease, and low genetic diversity may affect the success of the reintroduction efforts.
The Status of the European Bison
Although the European bison is no longer classified as a vulnerable species, it remains endangered and wild populations still urgently require conservation, according to the IUCN. The population of bison (Bison bonasus) has grown from 1,800 in 2003 to more than 6,800 individuals in 2024.
Importance for Nature and People
The European bison is a keystone species essential to the 'rewilding' process, as its diet significantly impacts vegetation. They consume grass, brambles, saplings, and shrubs, which helps create forest clearings and a mosaic landscape. This activity aids in meadow fertilization by weeding, stirring up sand and mud, and maintaining high biological diversity. Additionally, bison serve as a vital food source for large carnivores.
Decision to Reintroduce the European Bison
The decision to reintroduce bison in the Tarcu Mountains Natura 2000 site aligns with the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) recommendations from the Status Survey and the European Action Plan for the Conservation of the European Bison.
This need also arose from a 2004 workshop organized by the Foundation for Large Herbivores on conserving juniper in the Carpathians. It also complies with European Natura 2000 regulations, recognizing the European bison as a priority species in these sites.
The South-Western Carpathians: The Wild Heart of Europe
Europe's largest wilderness is found in the South-Western Carpathians of Romania. Here, nature has thrived as it has for millennia, with landscapes and animals that have vanished elsewhere. This region boasts Europe's most extensive virgin forests, wild mountains, a mosaic of open and cultivated landscapes, and some of the continent's largest populations of bears, wolves, and lynxes. A functional ecological network of protected areas, interconnected by ecological corridors, has been established here.
This area is a true wilderness heartland of Europe, where human impact should be minimal, and every moment in the wild can be cherished with respect and gratitude. The invaluable natural heritage of the South-Western Carpathians must be preserved for the benefit of local communities and future generations.
