Diet

What does the European Bison eat?

The European bison is a herbivore. They will feed on leaves, grasses, herbs, twigs and bark. Over 50 different grass species are found in their diet.

In some areas they receive supplemental feeding of hay during winter to help the remaining populations survive.

Almost two-thirds of their day will be spent feeding. Adults can eat over 60kg (132lbs).

To find food during winter they may consume ice crushed from streams or drink snow-water.

Learn more about the European Bison in this video from The New York Times on YouTube

Range

Where do you find the European Bison?

The European bison is naturally found in Europe. They were hunted to extinction but have since been reintroduced to the following countries - Belarus; Bulgaria; Germany; Latvia; Lithuania; Poland; Romania; Russia; Slovakia and Ukraine.

They are still extinct in the following countries - Austria; Belgium; Czechia; Denmark; Estonia; France; Hungary; Liechtenstein; Moldova; Netherlands; Serbia; Sweden and Switzerland.

Habitat

Where can the European Bison survive?

This species is found in areas of forest, grassland and shrubland. Most reintroductions have been in forested areas. They will also make use of abandoned farmland.

Credit: Public Domain

Reproduction

How does the European Bison produce its young?

During the breeding season the males will battle in fierce competitions during which they charge and clash heads with one another.

Breeding takes place from August to October.

A female will give birth to a single calf following a 260-270 day gestation period. Within 3 hours of birth they will be up and running about.

Weaning takes place at one year old.

Sexual maturity is reached between 2 and 4 years old. It is not common for males to first breed until they are around six as they must be able to compete for access to females.

Females tend to live longer than males.

Behavior

What does the European Bison do during its day?

Previously this species would roam in herds made up of several thousand individuals. Due to significant hunting pressure they are now found in much smaller herds made up of a few females and their young. Male only herds are also recorded.

These animals are primarily active by night and will spend their day resting.

Credit: Public Domain

Predators and Threats

What stops the European Bison from surviving and thriving?

No natural predators of the European bison have been recorded likely due to their large size.

At the most recent assessment this species was said to be increasing in number. The total mature population living in wild areas is 2,500.

The population of this species fell to just 12 individuals at its lowest point after World War II. Much of the last surviving population was shot for food by soldiers. The remaining individuals were brought in to captivity.

Initial reintroduction efforts focused on the Białowieża Forest in Poland where the last remaining wild population lived.

This species continues to face a range of threats across their range. These include reduced genetic variability due to their near extinction. Most reintroduced populations are located far from one another which also means their is little genetic transfer between populations.

Other threats include disease and culling due to a perception that reintroduced populations are growing too large and may impact local land uses.

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Quick facts

The European bison is also known as the wisent.

They are the largest land animal in Europe.

Credit: Public Domain