The history of European bison (Bison bonasus) – the largest terrestrial European mammal – is one of the most amazing and successful stories of saving a species that was literally facing the extinction. Currently, about ¼ of the world’s bison population (out of ~6500 individuals in the world) live in Poland, mainly in free ranging herds (~1500 wild individuals) in five distinct regions of the country. These regions varies in land cover, land use and density of human settlements. The number of wild, free ranging populations and its location at the interface with land occupied and used by people results in interaction between bison and people, with consequences for rising potential conflicts while bison conservation, as well as benefits that can be derived from the presence of the species and its role in local cultures and social life. Here we want to contribute to a debate on rewilding by assessing attitudes towards reintroduced European bison, its management and the importance of rewilding process to local societies. The research consisted of qualitative interviews and quantitative questionnaires with various stakeholders (researchers, NGOs engaged in bison conservation, public administration, foresters, local residents, hunters, farmers).
The presence of bison has become or is currently becoming a regular part of everyday life for local residents, farmers and foresters. They do not necessarily admire the heroic efforts of saving European bison, or even have knowledge about this process. In particular, this research shows that local residents know more about the animal itself (its biology – size and weight; and behavior – preferences in food and feeding areas) than about its current protection programs or historical population range. Stakeholders discussing various management options raised a number of problematic issues such as feeding, compensation for damage to crops, or hunting, that need to be addressed by decision makers. Locations where European bison was reintroduced differ in scope and character of potential conflicts over the bison conservation, as well as potential benefits (such as incomes from tourism) that local society can derive from the presence of the free-ranging herds and the role of bison in local culture. Overall, analysis of reintroduction of bison in Poland, as an example of the rewilding approach in conservation, brings the attention to the issue of the scope of specific conservation measures that are either demanded or objected by stakeholders. Stakeholders preferences towards bison management are related not only to their attitudes towards the species, but also general perception of the role of nature for them individually and for the local society.
Topics: Management of Human-Wildlife Conflicts: “Other” Species in Europe , Topics: Natural Resource and Conservation Stakeholders: Managing Expectations and Engageme
