The European bison, also known as the Bison bonasus, is the world’s largest land-dwelling mammal. The species was described as being ‘rarer than the black rhino’ and had a total population of 1,800 in 2003, until long-term conservation efforts elevated its population to a total of 6,200 in 2019.
Conservation efforts include the relocation of the bison to new and optimal habitats, to create feasible populations, thus leading to an increase in the bison population. The WWF Romania (World Wildlife Foundation) had also promoted peaceful human-bison coexistence via public education.
Before conservation efforts began, the European bison was listed as a ‘vulnerable’ species according to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). Now, more than 100 bison are roaming free in Romania, the Tarcu Mountains, and Fagaras Mountains. The total population of the European bison is even expected to rise above 6,200.
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