The return of the European bison
Origins of the European Bison
In 2016, ancient cave paintings were discovered showing clear changes in the appearance of bison between 22,000 and 17,000 years ago—smaller horns, humps, and forequarters. This matched genetic evidence that the European bison, or wisent, emerged from a cross between the extinct steppe bison and the aurochs, the ancestor of modern cattle. The result is Europe’s largest living land animal.
Extinction and Recovery
The European bison once roamed much of Europe and western Asia, but overhunting and habitat loss reduced their numbers drastically. The last wild bison was shot in 1927, leaving only 54 individuals in captivity. Breeding programs began soon after, with reintroductions across Europe. The IUCN upgraded their status from endangered to near threatened in 2020. Today, around 7,000 bison roam freely in the wild.
Bison as Ecosystem Engineers
European bison help maintain biodiversity. They debark trees, allowing grasses to grow; their wallowing creates habitats for insects and reptiles; and they spread seeds through their fur and dung. In tundra regions, bison can help preserve permafrost and reflect sunlight, reducing global warming. Their presence boosts ecosystem health and carbon storage.
Challenges and Future Hopes
All current European bison descend from just 12 individuals, leading to low genetic diversity and higher disease risk. Habitat fragmentation splits herds and limits food sources, increasing inbreeding. Still, reintroduction projects in Poland, Romania, the UK, and elsewhere show success. Conservationists believe bison can thrive in mixed habitats, and more reintroduction sites are being considered.