Proponents of the rewilding effort argue that historical evidence, including ancient cave paintings from Spain’s Altamira and El Castillo caves, suggests that bison once inhabited the region. They view the bison as a potential keystone species capable of restoring ecological balance to degraded landscapes, particularly in rural areas where human presence has diminished. Advocates believe that reintroducing this species could help revitalize ecosystems that have suffered from overgrazing and land abandonment.

But a recent peer-reviewed article published in Conservation Science and Practice raises serious doubts about the ecological, legal, and historical basis of these efforts. The authors argue that introducing European bison into Spain may be not only scientifically unjustified, but also ecologically risky and potentially illegal under current conservation laws.

At the heart of the debate lies a deceptively simple question: Are European bison native to Spain?

Echoes from the Pleistocene

At first glance, the case seems compelling. Ancient bison-like figures dominate Spain’s prehistoric art — some drawn with such detail and motion they rival the expressive power of modern sketches. To many, this is compelling visual evidence that bison once thundered across Iberian valleys.

But scientific scrutiny paints a more complicated picture. The authors of the article highlight a key point often overlooked in popular narratives: The bison species represented in those cave paintings is almost certainly Bison priscus, the extinct steppe bison, not the modern Bison bonasus — the European bison.

The steppe bison was part of a now-vanished ecosystem known as the “mammoth steppe” — a vast, treeless, cold-adapted grassland that once stretched from Western Europe to North America. When this ecosystem disappeared at the end of the last Ice Age, so too did the steppe bison. The European bison evolved later and adapted to a more forested, temperate environment — and crucially, there is no strong paleontological evidence that it ever lived in Spain.

In other words, even if bison-like creatures once walked Iberian soil, they were not the same species that conservationists seek to introduce today.

Steppe bison in mountain areas

While the term “steppe” typically refers to vast, treeless grasslands, scientific research indicates that steppe bison inhabited a range of environments, including mountainous regions like those in northern Spain.

Fossil evidence supports that steppe bison thrived in these regions. For instance, the Kiputz IX site in the Basque Country has yielded well-preserved remains of steppe bison, including a nearly complete skull, indicating their presence in the southern Pyrenees. The skull from Kiputz IX aligns with the characteristics of the extinct subspecies Bison priscus mediator.

The cave paintings in Altamira and El Castillo, located in the mountainous terrains of northern Spain, prominently feature bison imagery. These artistic representations align with the fossil record, suggesting that steppe bison were indeed part of the local fauna during the periods these caves were inhabited. The presence of steppe bison in these areas indicates their adaptability to different environments within the broader “Mammoth Steppe” biome.

Bison priscus mediator was a later subspecies of steppe bison that emerged towards the end of the Pleistocene, exhibiting adaptations to changing environmental conditions. As the Ice Age drew to a close and the climate began to warm, the ecosystems of the northern hemisphere started shifting from cold, open steppe landscapes to more varied and forested environments. Bison priscus mediator likely adapted to these new conditions by modifying its diet and habitat preferences, making it more suited to a broader range of environments, including areas with more woodland cover. This subspecies represents a transitional phase in the evolutionary history of the steppe bison, bridging the gap between the cold-adapted forms of the earlier Pleistocene and the more temperate conditions that followed, which may have contributed to its eventual survival and spread across a wider area of Europe.

Rewilding or Reinventing?

The term “rewilding” evokes powerful imagery — untamed landscapes, ecological restoration, and charismatic megafauna reclaiming lost territory. But when does rewilding cross the line into ecological invention?

The article warns that introducing European bison to Spain would be a “non-native species introduction” — something that contradicts core principles of conservation biology. Without clear historical evidence of the species’ presence, such an action risks disturbing delicate ecosystems rather than restoring them.

Spain’s landscapes, particularly in regions like Andalucia and Extremadura where bison have already been introduced in private initiatives for ecotourism purposes, are significantly different from the mixed forests and meadows of Eastern Europe. The climate is drier, summers are hotter, and the vegetation is not the same. These differences raise questions about whether the bison could thrive — or whether they would overgraze sensitive habitats, compete with native herbivores, or suffer from poor health and condition.

Moreover, the authors point out a critical oversight in many of the pilot projects: There is often little or no scientific monitoring, no published environmental impact assessments, and no adaptive management frameworks in place. In essence, the releases are happening in a data vacuum.

Substitute species

Bison bonasus, or the European bison, could serve as a potential substitute species for the extinct Bison priscus in certain ecosystems. As a close relative, the European bison shares many ecological characteristics with Bison priscus, particularly its role as a large herbivore that shapes landscapes through grazing. Reintroducing Bison bonasus into areas where Bison priscus once roamed could help restore key ecological functions that have been lost with the extinction of the latter. The European bison is known for its ability to graze on a wide variety of vegetation, which could contribute to the control of overgrown or invasive plant species, promote biodiversity, and create open habitats that benefit other wildlife species.

Although not a direct replacement for Bison priscus, Bison bonasus can still fulfill many of the same ecological niches in modern European ecosystems. Bison bonasus’s grazing behavior influences the structure and composition of plant communities, promoting habitat diversity in woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands. Its presence can encourage the growth of specific plant species while suppressing others, which in turn supports the regeneration of certain ecosystems.

Ecological boundaries

In areas like the southern parts of Europe or even parts of Spain, where Bison priscus once roamed, the European bison could help in the restoration of a more natural balance by reintroducing this large herbivore to forested and grassland areas, even though it is not native to the Iberian Peninsula.

The concept of Bison bonasus as a substitute species is part of a broader ecological restoration strategy aimed at compensating for species extinctions, helping to restore lost ecological functions and balance. By focusing on the ecological roles that Bison priscus played, Bison bonasus could effectively take on these responsibilities.

This approach is seen in various rewilding projects across Europe, where, for example, semi-wild cattle take on the role of the extinct aurochs. While Bison bonasus may not be a perfect match in terms of genetic lineage, its similar ecological impact and ability to thrive in temperate habitats make it a viable candidate for fulfilling the lost ecological roles of the extinct steppe bison.

However, the hotter and drier climate in the southernmost parts of the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in the southeast, presents significant challenges for the European bison, a species more suited to the milder temperatures and higher rainfall typical of northern and central Europe.

Reintroducing European bison in southern Spain is unlikely to be viable from both a species and ecological perspective, as the region’s arid conditions, limited vegetation, and lack of suitable habitats would not support the species’ survival or its role in maintaining ecological balance, which depend on cooler, more temperate environments.

Conservation Priorities: The Bigger Picture

At its core, the debate over European bison in Spain is about more than just one species. It’s about how we define conservation success and the kinds of stories we tell about nature.

The authors of the study urge caution and reflection. Conservation resources are finite. Rather than investing in questionable introductions, they suggest focusing on the protection and recovery of native Spanish species and habitats — from the Iberian lynx and Spanish imperial eagle to the fragile cork oak forests and high mountain meadows.

They also emphasize that rewilding should not become a license to “import” charismatic animals without clear ecological fit. If poorly planned, such efforts risk discrediting the broader rewilding movement, which has the potential to play a meaningful role in restoring degraded ecosystems — when done right.

The European bison’s journey from near-extinction to cautious recovery is a powerful conservation story. But the desire to expand its range must be balanced with ecological realism and respect for historical evidence. The authors of this recent study offer an important reminder: Not every attractive idea is a good one — especially when nature’s balance hangs in the hands of human ambition.

More information:
Rewilding through inappropriate species introduction: The case of European bison in Spain

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The initiative aims to restore ecosystem health and address the near-extinction of plains bison, which hold cultural significance for Indigenous plains cultures. Banff National Park, with its large, intact area and commitment to ecological integrity, provides an ideal setting for the reintroduction. The ecocultural approach involves key steps, including scoping opportunities, stakeholder consultations, building a plan, and the actual reintroduction process.

Plains bison, recognized as keystone species and ecosystem engineers, were driven to near-extinction between 1860 and 1885, impacting both ecology and Indigenous cultures. While over 500,000 plains bison exist in North America, only 4% are managed for conservation, with the remaining 96% influenced by the ranching industry.

Banff National Park, free of many barriers to bison recovery, stands out as a rare opportunity to restore a free-roaming population. The area’s large size, ecological integrity, and commitment to maintaining Indigenous practices make it suitable for the ecocultural rewilding project.

Ecocultural rewilding

The rewilding project involves a holistic “ecocultural” approach, recognising the role of Indigenous communities in stewarding nature. The case study unfolds in several key rewilding steps, including scoping for opportunities and constraints, stakeholder and Indigenous consultation, building a plan, initial ceremony and physical preparations, and the larger Buffalo Treaty.

The engagement of Indigenous communities, represented by the Treaty 7 Nations, becomes pivotal, and their involvement extends to ceremonies, prayers, and traditional practices. The Buffalo Treaty, signed by over 40 Indigenous nations, amplifies the scope beyond Banff, advocating for recognition of plains bison as wildlife.

A significant moment in the project was the transfer of bison from Treaty 6 to Treaty 7 lands, marking collaboration between Indigenous nations. Indigenous blessing ceremonies played a crucial role in integrating spiritual perceptions and knowledge into the rewilding effort. Bison were carefully selected based on criteria such as age, gender, pregnancy, health, and genetic diversity. The transfer ceremony, accompanied by drumming and dancing, emphasized the connection between the animals and the land.

The successful reintroduction resulted in a growing bison herd, now exceeding 100 animals, with potential for Indigenous harvesting if current growth continues. The ecocultural approach has increased the resilience of the rewilding project, addressing both ecological and cultural aspects. The case study exemplifies the potential benefits of an ecocultural rewilding model, acknowledging the intricate relationship between people, wildlife, and the environment.

Ecological and cultural success

The ecocultural rewilding of plains bison in Banff National Park has proven to be both ecologically and culturally successful. Ecologically, the project marks the establishment of the world’s fifth free-roaming population of a red-listed species, with the animals thriving and showing substantial growth after five years. Apart from a few wandering bulls, they are well-anchored in the targeted reintroduction zone.

Culturally, the incorporation of Indigenous ceremonies, traditional knowledge, and the formation of an Indigenous Advisory Circle has deeply engaged Indigenous communities. This initiative not only rewilded a species but also revitalised endangered plains cultures, inspiring similar bison restoration efforts.

The project has fostered trust between Parks Canada and Indigenous nations over a decade, with a focus on incorporating the ultimate plains cultural practice – bison harvesting by Indigenous people – as an essential ecological tool for managing the growing herd.

This approach has elevated the rewilding of Banff bison beyond an ecological endeavour, framing it as a human rights issue and emphasising the importance of resolving policy differences between jurisdictions. The ecocultural approach has emerged as a collective strength, blending ecological and cultural restoration efforts for a more resilient and diverse foundation.

Source: Frontiers in Conservation Science
Featured photo: Leslie Driskill/Unsplash

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The Road to Peril

In the Anthropocene era, a time characterized by unprecedented human influence on the environment, the landscape has been rapidly transformed by the expansion of road and railway networks. This expansion has led to the fragmentation of natural habitats, and such disruptions have profound consequences for wildlife movement. For species with small and isolated populations, these linear infrastructures are becoming increasingly hazardous.

A Perilous Crossroads

The collision of vehicles with wildlife not only imperils animals but also poses risks to human safety. This is especially true when the large and robust European bison are involved. These accidents result in economic losses due to damage to vehicles and trains, as well as traffic congestion and train delays.

Moreover, these conflicts have economic or other repercussions, with vehicle collisions leading to injuries and loss of human lives. Understanding the patterns and trends of traffic-related mortality on roads and railways is therefore a critical concern for wildlife management and conservation.

A Continent Divided by Roads and Rails

Europe finds itself at the epicenter of this challenge. The continent is crisscrossed by an extensive network of roads and railways, with traffic volumes on the rise. Coinciding with these developments, wildlife populations are making a come back, expanding their ranges into landscapes where they have not been seen for decades.

The Predicament of European Bison

European bison, scientifically known as Bison bonasus, currently find themselves confined to small, isolated populations throughout Europe. Their population numbers plummeted dangerously in the past, but determined conservation efforts have seen their numbers recover significantly. Now, over 7200 wild European bison roam in about 50 populations across their ancestral territory.

Some of these populations have thrived and expanded their ranges, particularly in parts of Poland, the epicenter of the European bison’s recovery. As these populations grow, so do the challenges they face. In their quest for suitable habitats, these mighty creatures increasingly find themselves navigating roads and railways.

The Road Less Traveled: Understanding the Threat

Until recently, the road ecology of European bison remained a poorly understood facet of their conservation. Previous concerns had primarily focused on linear infrastructures as barriers to their natural dispersal. These infrastructures pose a significant challenge even when they are local roads, as European bison tend to avoid habitats near roads.

Critically, despite these potential challenges, no previous study had systematically assessed the trends in European bison mortality on roads and railways. In response, a comprehensive study sought to fill this knowledge gap. The study aimed to analyze patterns and trends in European bison mortality on roads and railways, focusing on five free-ranging populations in Poland.

Dissecting the Study

Poland hosts eight European bison populations, five of which exceed 100 individuals. These populations exhibit variations in their characteristics, ranging from lowland to mountainous areas, sparse and densely populated regions, and diverse land uses. Despite these distinctions, they all face the common threat of traffic-related mortality.

The study drew upon data from multiple sources, collecting information on European bison mortality due to road and railway accidents between 2010 and 2021. Data were obtained from the European bison tissue database at Warsaw University of Life Sciences and inquiries to various state institutions involved in wildlife conservation.

The researchers standardized the data from these sources to obtain information on the time and location of each mortality event, along with the age and sex of the animals involved. Notably, the study excluded non-fatal vehicle collisions with European bison due to the lack of comprehensive data.

A Sobering Reality

The study unveiled a distressing reality: a total of 70 cases of European bison mortality on roads and railways were recorded in Poland between 2010 and 2021. However, these accidents were not distributed uniformly across populations. Instead, they were concentrated in three specific regions: Białowieska Forest, Knyszyńska Forest, and Zachodniopomorskie. Astonishingly, the majority (73.2%) of these cases occurred in the Zachodniopomorskie population. Notably, there was not a single recorded case of traffic-related mortality in the other two larger free-ranging populations during this period.

The Impact of Fatal Crossings

Fatalities on roads significantly outpaced those on railways, with a lone exception in the Białowieska Forest region. The analysis of sex and age demographics revealed a notable trend: adult European bison were most susceptible to accidents. Calves accounted for 12.2% of mortality cases, juveniles represented 24.4%, and adult animals made up a significant 63.4%.

The data further demonstrated that these accidents occurred in all seasons, with a noteworthy drop in the summer. Spring saw 26.8% of the accidents, summer only 16.1%, autumn tallied 32.1%, and winter rounded out at 28.6%.

A Disturbing Upward Trend

Perhaps the most alarming discovery was the increasing trend in traffic-related fatalities among European bison. This upward trajectory was particularly pronounced in the years 2020 and 2021, which saw a two-fold increase compared to 2019. What is most concerning is that this trend was not limited to one region but observed across all three areas, with Zachodniopomorskie in western Poland experiencing the most significant spike.

Remarkably, regression modeling confirmed that the number of fatalities was undeniably linked to the growing size of the European bison population in Poland. The correlation was both clear and statistically significant.

The Enigma of Zachodniopomorskie

Intriguingly, the case of Zachodniopomorskie stands out. The population size of European bison in this region is approximately half that of the populations in Białowieska Forest. The home range in Zachodniopomorskie is double the size of that in Białowieska Forest and similar to that in the Bieszczady Mountains. Despite these similarities, traffic mortality was nearly six times higher in Zachodniopomorskie than in Białowieska Forest, with no recorded fatalities in the Bieszczady Mountains. This disparity underscores the critical influence of high-traffic roads within or near European bison home ranges.

An Emerging Conservation Challenge

The European bison, once teetering on the edge of extinction, is experiencing a renaissance. These animals, through a combination of captive breeding and reintroduction, have achieved substantial population growth in several regions, including Poland. While overall mortality due to traffic accidents remains relatively low, this phenomenon may be locally significant.

For instance, traffic fatalities on roads accounted for up to 3.3% of the Zachodniopomorskie population in 2020, a notable percentage considering the already existing natural mortality. This situation does not seem to be hampering the continued growth of the population, largely due to the supplementation of individuals from other populations. However, this underscores the critical need for population-specific management in areas where European bison populations encounter high traffic volumes.

The Way Forward

The findings of this study carry profound implications for both European bison conservation and road ecology. While traffic-related mortality had been a minor concern, the study reveals its potential significance at the local level. As European bison populations continue to rise, so does the risk to these majestic creatures, as well as to human safety.

Mitigation measures should be a priority. Conservation planning must prioritize roadless areas and avoid regions with heavy traffic wherever possible. The European bison has clawed its way back from the brink of extinction, and with the right interventions, it can coexist harmoniously with the modern infrastructure that crisscrosses its homeland.

Public awareness and educational programs are also essential. Encouraging responsible driving and respecting speed limits can make a significant difference in reducing accidents. Moreover, robust monitoring and research must continue to ensure that we understand the implications of this newfound challenge and are equipped to address it effectively.

Conclusion

The threat of traffic-related mortality to European bison in Poland demands our utmost attention. As these remarkable creatures recover and expand their ranges, mitigating wildlife-vehicle collisions is a pressing concern. Our aim should be coexistence, and this requires proactive measures, education, and ongoing monitoring to protect both European bison and human lives.

This complex issue embodies the delicate balance of conserving wildlife while accommodating human development. The European bison, an enduring symbol of nature’s resilience, deserves nothing less than our dedication to safeguard its future in the face of these newfound challenges. The question remains: can we build a road to coexistence?

More info: Increasing mortality of European bison (Bison bonasus) on roads and railways
Featured image by Valdemaras D./Pexels

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Scientists from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences have contributed fresh insights into the population diversity of these bison through the analysis of newly discovered subfossil remains from the Balkan Peninsula. This study focused on seven ancient samples excavated from caves in Western Stara Planina, Bulgaria. Mitochondrial D‐loop (HVR1) sequence analysis was used to examine these samples, which were dated to approximately 3,800 years ago using radiocarbon analysis.

Furthermore, a phylogenetic analysis was conducted to explore the genetic connections among these samples and all available mitochondrial DNA sequences from the Bison genus, sourced from GenBank. The findings revealed that these sequences clustered with those from the extinct Holocene South‐Eastern (Balkan) wisent and the fossil Alpine population found in France, Austria, and Switzerland. Interestingly, they did not align with the recent Central European (North Sea) population or the now-extinct Caucasian population.

These results indicate that the Balkan wisent, which existed in historical times, can be considered a relic and likely an isolated population stemming from the Late Pleistocene‐Holocene South‐Western mountainous population of the wisent. The presumed migration path of this group traces from the Caucasus and Asia Minor through the Balkans to western European territories. This comparative analysis of regional data significantly enriches our comprehension of the origin and migration patterns of the European bison (wisent).

Source: New data on the evolutionary history of the European bison (Bison bonasus) based on subfossil remains from Southeastern Europe

Featured image: Arend de Haas

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