Portugal Reintroduces Wild Bison After 10,000 Years: A Milestone for Rewilding Efforts

The Return of the Bison

In a historic move, Portugal has welcomed its first wild bison in 10,000 years. Rewilding Europe has announced the arrival of a small herd of European bison in the Greater Côa Valley, marking a significant step in rewilding efforts across the continent. This reintroduction aims to restore biodiversity, control invasive species, and prevent catastrophic wildfires.

Bison as Keystone Species

European bison, once roaming freely across Europe’s forests and scrublands, are now recognized as a keystone species crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems. Their grazing, foraging, trampling, and fertilizing activities help create and sustain biodiversity-rich landscapes. These interactions promote a mosaic of forest, scrub, and grassland habitats, supporting a wide range of plant and animal species.

A New Chapter for Portugal’s Ecosystems

Portugal, a country smaller than Pennsylvania, has set aside a quarter million acres in the Greater Côa Valley for conservation. This area includes natural and semi-natural habitats such as scrub, Mediterranean dry forests, and steep gorges. The valley is already home to the Iberian wolf, roe and red deer, wild boar, eagles, and ancient cattle breeds that roam freely, much like their ancestor, the auroch, once did.

The reintroduction of European bison to this area is viewed as a pilot project. Rewilding Portugal team leader Pedro Prata explains, “The bison will be closely monitored to see how they acclimatize to the local landscape and climate. This is the first time that Rewilding Portugal has managed bison, so it’s a learning process for us too.”

Learning from Success in Other Regions

The European bison, sourced from the forests of northern Poland, where over 4,000 bison roam wild, are expected to adapt well to Portugal’s environment. Studies of translocated bison in Spain have shown that these animals can thrive in hot, dry climates similar to those found in the Iberian Peninsula. While remains of European bison have never been discovered in Portugal, the steppe bison, a predecessor, roamed the region 10,000 years ago.

The Broader Impact of Rewilding

The reintroduction of bison is not only about restoring a single species but also about enhancing the entire ecosystem. Bison play a vital role in maintaining and promoting biodiversity. Their presence can lead to increased plant and animal species diversity, which in turn can enhance the capture of atmospheric carbon in both vegetation and the soil. This effort aligns with broader environmental goals of combating climate change and promoting sustainable ecosystems.

Embracing the Future

Rewilding efforts, such as those seen in Portugal, are part of a growing movement across Europe to restore natural habitats and reintroduce native species. From Poland to Romania to the UK, the return of the European bison symbolizes a commitment to preserving and enhancing Europe’s natural heritage. As Portugal embarks on this journey, the presence of these majestic creatures will undoubtedly bring new life and vitality to the landscapes they now call home.

Sophia H.