Farms are being sought to reintroduce the European bison

The European bison is the largest mammal in Europe, a species on the verge of extinction that only has a few specimens in the wild in Polish forests. This mammal is similar to its North American brother, although smaller in size. Environmental associations and groups are working very intensively on their breeding in zoos and small reserves for their conservation and reintroduction. This is where our country comes into play with the implementation of this great animal in numerous farms, especially in Castilla la Mancha, Andalusia and Extremadura.

The last reintroduction of bison took place on a farm in Villarrubia de los Ojos (Ciudad Real) and with these latest specimens there are now 170 distributed throughout our geography. Dehesa farms are chosen since some studies have shown that this mammal adapts very well in this type of environment of holm oaks and berrocales, and also coexists with deer and wild boars without conflict or displacement.

Fenced farms are being sought to reintroduce bison

In areas such as Extremadura, Portugal, Andalusia or Castilla La Mancha, the EBCC (entity in charge of the conservation of this animal in Europe) is asking for farms that meet the relevant characteristics for the breeding and care of bison. These owners will have the bison as an object of study and will only receive help from Poland in transportation, the other expenses will be borne by the owner of the land.

Ranchers like Herranz, owner of fighting cattle and a stud farm, have taken the step of bringing specimens to their farm and, in addition, turning them into an ecotourism attraction. In his case, he visits his stud farm and wild cattle, as well as the bison in semi-freedom. This pays off the expenses that maintaining these large mammals entails, such as veterinarians or food.

The debate

In this project there are several positions found, on the one hand there are those who want to conserve this species and leave a place for it in our Peninsula, due to its genetic value, ecological and environmental contribution and its forestry action. Experts in this animal and members of the project affirm that “bison help restore the natural processes of the ecosystem. "This animal is a weeding machine and, in those areas where it eats and breaks, it allows grass to grow that is beneficial for the rest of the animals. In addition, it also naturally fertilizes the soil, which that contributes to the fertilization of the earth"

On the other hand, they think that the bison carry out the same clearing work that cows, sheep and pigs are doing in the pastures. They believe that the introduction of this old mammal will lead to the proliferation of new diseases that can affect biodiversity.

And you, what do you think about it? Would you like to see bison in the Spanish countryside?