Wisents

Wisents, commonly known as the European bison, are large herbivorous mammals of the Bovidae family native to Europe and parts of western Asia. They are among the heaviest land animals in Europe and are closely related to other bison species. In some taxonomic treatments, they are divided into two subspecies: the European wisent (Bison bonasus bonasus) and the Caucasian wisent (Bison bonasus caucasus). The Caucasian subspecies became extinct in the wild in the early 20th century, with captive populations used to reestablish some land-based populations after severe declines.

Wisents have a tall, sturdy frame with a broad head, a short neck, and a distinctive shaggy winter coat. Males are larger than females and develop a shoulder hump during growth. Their horns curve outward and upward, and their overall appearance includes a robust, powerful body suited to habitats with rough vegetation and forested areas.

Today, wisents are found in scattered populations across protected areas in countries such as Poland, Belarus, Russia, Lithuania, and parts of Western Europe where reintroduction programs have taken place. They typically inhabit mixed forests, open woodlands, and river valleys where they can access a variety of grasses, herbs, and shrubs. They are social animals, living in herds of females and their offspring, with adult males often forming bachelor groups or roaming independently until the breeding season.

Reproduction occurs seasonally, with calves born after a gestation of roughly nine to ten months. Wisents primarily graze but will browse when vegetation is scarce. Historical overhunting and habitat loss drove the species to the brink of extinction, but coordinated captive breeding and reintroduction efforts have helped stabilize and expand native populations. The species is currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, reflecting ongoing threats from habitat fragmentation, disease, and genetic bottlenecks.