Diversification and development of the European bison population in northwestern Poland

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

The European bison (Bison bonasus) is one of two extant species of bison, alongside the American bison. It once ranged throughout the lowlands of Europe, with the last wild populations, in Polands Biaowiea forest and the northern Caucasus, becoming extinct by 1927. They have since been reintroduced from captivity into several European countries, with all animals being descendants of the Biaowiea or lowland European bison. Today, in the West Pomeranian region, the population of European bison is small, isolated and of low genetic diversity. Furthermore, growth in the population takes place without a corresponding increase in the area of occurrence, with low social acceptance being a key factor blocking the increase and expansion of the population.

OBJECTIVES

The LIFE_BISON_NW_PL project addressed the problems of low genetic diversity and population growth of European bison in and between Natura 2000 network sites in north-western Poland. The main objectives were to create a model for bison population management in an area of intensive human economic activity, and to increase the European bison population from the existing 110 to at least 190 individuals. The project also aimed to initiate a corresponding increase in the area for bison habitat by at least 30%, with a decrease in the average seasonal bison density per area unit. The projects specific objectives included the establishment of a new herd of bison, in between existing herds, to increase the genetic diversity of the population and facilitate genetic exchange between herds; the creation of a bison support unit as a tool for population management; the expansion of the area available for European bison with measures to ensure adequate food; and the introduction of measures to reduce bison damage to commercial forests and crops.

RESULTS

The LIFE_BISON_NW_PL project established a team of experts on European bison (Bison bonasus) management, to plan and conduct effective conservation work, and to develop international cooperation, on a limited budget. The project team created a model of endangered species population management in an area of intensive economic activity.

As a result of the projects actions:

The bison population increased by 173 individuals: at project end there were 305 individuals compared to 132 when the project began;

A newly created herd was released in January 2015 and initiated better links between two original herds (through walking males) by the time the project concluded the bison population occurred in eight herds;

The area of the European bison habitat was increased by 400%, from 27 627 ha in 2015 to 112 748 ha in 2019 (though only 30% was originally planned); and

144.4 ha of in-forest meadows were reclaimed, with an additional 32 ha of land levelling, 48.5 ha of feeding meadows were created in forests, and 2 ha of fenced orchards were planted in forests.

The project extension of 6 months (to the end of 2019) enabled the Polish project team and German partners to solve the problems associated with cross-border bison migrations. A larger number of smaller herds results in decreased damage to farms by bison. Damage was also reduced by the projects efficient Bison Emergency Service and information activities. Seven staff members are employed in the Bison Service Centre. There was a significant increase in the awareness and acceptance among local stakeholders of European bison, thanks to direct contacts, publications for farmers, and the on-line application using telemetry data from 54 collars worn by the bison. This information can be used by tourists, foresters and hunters to avoid disturbance to the herds. Monitoring shows a continued positive trend in terms of reproduction and health of the bison population. Feeding the bison helps keep herds away from settlements, thus reducing potential conflicts with farmers. The Bison Emergency Service is used when it is necessary to redirect bison away from farmland. This also helps decrease the costs of damage.

The project beneficiaries applied active management techniques, including mobile feeding, the use of innovatively-construction telemetric collars (with long-life batteries) and an on-line application for bison location. Based on the successful Bison Emergency Service, the beneficiaries plan to establish a similar Elk and Bison Emergency Service in the trans-border area, under a Polish-German Interreg project.

Conservation activities also benefit other species, such as birds. Thus, the project supports enforcement of the EU Habitats Directive and the Biodiversity Strategy by 2020, through bison protection and strengthening the connectivity between bison herds, and, indirectly, the Birds Directive, by the reclamation of meadow in four Natura 2000 sites (SPAs).

Before the project implementation, bison had been listed for protection in three out of the five Natura 2000 network sites included in the project area. As a result of the project, the coordinating beneficiary sent a letter to the Regional Directorate for Environmental Protection with telemetric data proving the occurrence of bison in all five Natura 2000 sites. This requested the addition of European bison for protection or the updating of its status from migratory to resident. There are good opportunities for sustaining the project actions, particularly the conflict solving approach that involves local stakeholders in bison protection.

Project actions bring socio-economic benefits, by enhancing knowledge and awareness of the bison and through conservation actions in combination with actions that protect economic interests. Bison is now seen by local communities and tourists as a big attraction. The socio-economic report confirmed some economic benefits, such as employment of staff and subcontractors, in areas including conflict resolution, tourism and education.

Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).