Unknown 19th-century concept of European bison Bison bonasus reintroduction

Currently the animal reintroduction and relocation are widely used in endangered species protection, but their effectiveness depends on various factors. Contemporary analyzes indicate that the most effective is a translocation of big groups of wild animals at the same time. In the case of European bison, the possibility of using such a method is limited, due to historical, social and economic factors. The presented archival study shows that in the 1860s, there was a concept of relocation of the large European bison herds from the Bialowieza Primeval Forest to other forest complexes. This idea assumed the use of railway, construction of which was planned at that time for the transport of the timber. However, neither the railway was built, nor the plan for dispersion of European bison population was accomplished. According to the current state of knowledge, the main assumptions of this concept were correct. Their implementation at that time could possibly save European bison from its later extinction in the wild.

Automated summary

Animal reintroduction and relocation are widely used in endangered species protection, with the effectiveness depending on various factors. Studies indicate that translocating large groups of wild animals simultaneously is the most effective method. In the 1860s, there was a plan to relocate European bison herds to other forests, but due to historical, social, and economic factors, the plan was not carried out, potentially missing the chance to prevent the later extinction of European bison in the wild.