Bison in the Andújar mountain range

In the Sierra de Andújar, in Jaén, an important step has been taken towards the conservation of the European bison. A project has been started with 18 individuals from Poland, which arrived in November 2020. These bison have successfully adapted to the terrain, marking the end of their acclimatization period. Now, we are looking towards next spring with the hope of achieving the reproduction of this species in more than 1,000 hectares of the area. It is an exciting development that promises to contribute to the preservation of this emblematic species and the health of its natural environment.

Finca El Encinarejo

Specifically, they are located on the El Encinarejo farm, an area of ​​land that, in addition to housing bison, also has a conservation project for the Iberian lynx. In April 2019, the Hohne and Murdoch family became the new owners of El Encinarejo. Upon arriving at the farm in November 2018, Alex and his father, Jahn Hohne, were immediately captivated by the place, feeling that it was the perfect place to settle. The acquisition of El Encinarejo was carried out with the vision of taking advantage of its latent potential. During the first two years of ownership, the estate underwent a remarkable transformation: from a traditional Andalusian hunting estate to a global biodiversity destination, where nature and humans merge in harmony.

The Young Wild Hunters team has had the opportunity to speak with Álex Hohne, who together with his partner Jessica, are in charge of this beautiful project to bring the bison closer to the Peninsula from Poland.

How did the idea of ​​bringing bison to the Sierra de Andújar come about?

The idea of ​​bringing the bison came from my father-in-law. Our families have always been very involved in nature conservation in Africa and this was a project that we were personally very interested in. It was an opportunity to help the species, help the farm and help our ecotourism model.

How many bison are there on the farm? Are there any new births this year?

We currently have 18 bison on the farm. one female arrived at the farm pregnant and gave birth in 2021 and we recently had three babies born in September 2023. The population is growing well and we now believe that the bison have adapted well to the conditions and we should expect steady growth in the future. future. The females that arrived in 2020 were all very young and were not ready to reproduce but now all the animals are of legal age.

Is there any type of aid or subsidy to maintain these large mammals?

The financing is all on us.

Has the introduction of the bison affected the lynx, deer or any other animal that lives on the farm?

Our team and some biologists have studied the introduction of the bison intensively and all the results are positive. We have not had a single case where they have had a negative impact, all impacts are neutral or positive. Our rabbit population has increased since the reintroduction of the bison. The areas where the bison spend most of their time also have much better grass now because of the manure. When we find bird nests, all of them are also built with bison wool. We have incredible evidence of the positive impact they are having on the farm.

What do you consider to be the benefits of bringing bison to Spain?

Bison play a critical role as large herbivores in the system. An ecosystem needs herbivores like this, whether they are cows, bison or wild horses, for example. I think bison could have a very positive impact on ecosystem restoration in many parts of Spain but they would have to be in large numbers to have a real impact. They also add value to the areas, as an ecotourism addition and as a game species.

Are there visits to El Encinarejo to see or photograph the bison?

Yes, our doors are open. We completed our luxury hotel on the estate last year and specialize in African style safaris. You can find more information on our website www.elencinarejo.com

Have you had any problems with environmental societies or bureaucracy?

Some experts were concerned that the bison would trample the rabbits and their burrows, but that was never going to be the case. The rabbit population has increased since their arrival. Apart from that, the project has received great support.

Do you have any other conservation projects in mind?

My wife Jess is working with Fernando Moran of EBCC to bring Przewalski horses to the farm in the fall. This is a project that he is very passionate about. Aside from that, we'll also be doing a big rabbit introduction this fall.