Bison bonasus bonasus

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Vernacular names

English : Wisent
French : Bison d’Europe

Classification

Class : Mammalia
Order : Cetartiodactyla
Family : Bovidae
Notes : 2 other subspecies known. Both are extinct.

Identification

Up to 350 cm body length, shoulder height of 200 cm, weight up to 1 ton. Head held higher than American bison, smaller back hump. Forward pointing horns. Head and first half of body covered with light brown fur, rest of fur dark brown.

Range and habitat

The species used to live in central and eastern Europe and north Caucasus mountains. Only nominate subspecies remains, kept in protected areas only. Lives in mosaic of forest types and forests with open areas for grazing.

Conservation

IUCN RED LIST : NEAR THREATENED
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is considered extinct in the wild but still occurs as semi-free and free ranging populations found in managed and protected areas.
Ex-Situ Programs : EEP in Europe