How the return of the Bison will transform Europe

The iconic European Bison is making a comeback across the old continent. However, the question remains, do we have space for them? Are we able to co-exist with this mighty keystone species? In this video we try to explore these ideas and also lay down the foundation for a future bison project.
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The European Bison Strategic Species Status Review
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⏱️TIMESTAMPS⏱️
0:00 Intro
2:10 The Current Situation
6:55 Semi-free Bison
10:55 Free Ranging Bison
CORRECTIONS
- On several maps we drew Crimea as Russian. This was a mistake induced by our poor editor working late at night and google drawing a silly dotted line there. Our sincere apologies for this mistake. We know it is serious.

[@MossyEarth]

We made a serious error in our map of Ukraine. It included Crimea as Russian. We are deeply sorry about this mistake and it does not represent out views of course. It came about due to a strange dotted line our editor copied from google maps as he was working on the video late at night. Not an excuse, but that is what happened. We of course, stand with Ukraine in the current conflict and we are sorry that this mistake passed our checks. I can also say that once Ukraine has it's country back we look forward to helping restore nature there. Nevertheless, we hope you found our video useful and educational. - All the best, Duarte

[@tobiaswilhelmi4819]

I really hope that when this conflict is over and the sovereignty of Ukraine is restored that we can immediately also get back to international collaboration with wildlife protection and climate change prevention in Russia. I think this tasks will become very hard without a country the size of Russia and it will be the poor around the globe who will bear the cost of failure on that, not the ones in charge.

[@stanisawzokiewski3308]

You know it doesnt matter if you use a map that represents reality or one that represents you preffered reality doesnt change the situation on the ground

[@MossyEarth]

@@stanisawzokiewski3308 Still it's not great so we wanted to apologise. - Thanks, Duarte

[@stanisawzokiewski3308]

@@MossyEarth well i get it

[@aykutakguen3498]

lmao, a small mistake forcing you to make this comment, the times we live in, damn

[@mancubwwa]

Here in Poland around Białowieża forest where yhey were first rewilded it is not uncommon to come across small groups chilling in meadows and fields around forest edge. Locals are mostly used to them and both humans and bison just go around their buisness.

[@klaudiaw8518]

And in Poland we save them

[@YarikBYcurrahee]

@@klaudiaw8518 They are also in Belarus

[@BoarhideGaming]

@@klaudiaw8518 Unlike the Białowieża forest itself, which you are actively destroying...

[@ms001]

Not only small groups. A video was published recently where herd of 100 bisons is running across a road.

[@klaudiaw8518]

@@YarikBYcurrahee when in Poland we start to save them, this part of Belarus belong to Poland it was before WWII when they start to save the Bisons, the Białowiski forest it's part of Belarus now, that's why there are bisons there.

[@cromagnon201]

We have Bison next-door in Holland called Kraansvlak. Timid and harmless to humans. They changed the forest in a good way. It looks different because rare plants are flourishing and invasive plants are eaten. Magnificent! They belong here and all over Europe.

[@MossyEarth]

I'm so glad to hear! - Cheers, Duarte

[@michielderuyter6011]

If you want to turn everything in original state how its was then make take back the invasive people who don’t belong in Europe from origin then i am with you. But i bet this is only selective. Species like trees, insects and animals disturb the original habitat also why not whit humans. The balance is already gone.

[@DarkAngelEU]

@@michielderuyter6011 There's always someone who has to start with their racist bullshit 🙄

[@NilsNone]

@@michielderuyter6011 get lost

[@znail4675]

@@michielderuyter6011 You have an easy way to get one less invasive human away from the earth.

[@srinjoyroychoudhury7034]

When Feral Horses were released in Britain, Not only did the existing forests grew tenfolds, but also areas which were going through partial desertification all turned green. That speaks volumes of the benefits of Rewilding. I do my part by planting a baby tree every weekend. Wherever I can and maintain a big garden at home. The Late Steve Irwin was my Hero and will be an inspiration all my life.

[@Alphoric]

Yh that also has to do with other factors aswell though and sometimes rewilding fails completely and ends up having negative effects

[@HepCatJack]

Large herbivores help break down grasses from previous seasons faster than just decaying from bacteria action. In South America there are Hippopotamus that escaped from Pablo Escobar's private zoo that have been allowed to spread as they've been beneficial to the forest taking a niche left vacant by the now extinct giant ground sloth, Wholly Mammoth, Rhino and the Mastodon.

[@UtamagUta]

i quit mowing my lawn so religiously, i let grass grow up to 30cm and cut it to 10'sh. The amount of flowers started flourishing in my lawn! I've been blessed with bees, bumble bees, various birds and their songs. Been feeding them all winter. This year I even saw a grasshopper! In a dead centre of a city!!!

[@9Curtana]

⁠@@HepCatJack I have heard other opinions of their Negative Effects on the area.

[@HepCatJack]

@@9Curtana I heard it's a mixed bag. The Canadian beaver installed in Argentina by Pablo Veron cuts down trees, makes dams to build artificial lakes. It can help keep the forest irrigated but it's destructive for the fauna. There are Puma and Jaguars that can possibly prey upon them, but I doubt that the Hippos will sweat them much since even Lions are reluctant to attack them. The Piranha may end up curtailing their spread.

[@gabrielfurr8638]

In the summer they released a herd of 4 bison into a semi open area in Kent in the UK to see what effect they'll have on the ecosystem. In the autumn the first baby was born. As far as I know it's been a great success

[@MossyEarth]

Small but exciting project! - Cheers, Duarte

[@canuckprogressive.3435]

Good to know. Long may they roam!

[@canzukcommonwealth7309]

Bloody brilliant I didn’t know we had them here in the U.K. I hope they flourish

[@gabrielfurr8638]

@@canzukcommonwealth7309 they have been, they have had 2 calves so far I believe

[@joshysvlogs1583]

I live in Switzerland and 15min from my home, there is a project going on, that wants to let bisons live semi free. And after 10 years, if everything goes to plan, the bisons will be rewilded completly into nature. I‘m really excited to see the developments of this project. Thank you for your video

[@MossyEarth]

That is a really nice way to go about it! Super exciting! - Cheers, Duarte

[@nicobdly7926]

I also live in Switzerland. Where is the project exactly? I would to go see it! In swiss mountain forests, there is plenty of space for the bisons to thrive!😃

[@inegleit]

It's in the Naturpark Thal near Solothurn in the Jura mountains, or I would at least think that the original comment meant this project. I got to see the bison during a guided tour this winter and the park ranger was super nice and has a great passion for the project. At the moment the bison are often visible because they have just gotten their fence extended into the forest and still prefer staying in the open, but this will probably change (the project started last fall). If you don't want to pay for the tour you can always just hike through :)

[@nicobdly7926]

@@inegleit Great! Thanks for the info

[@joshysvlogs1583]

@@inegleit yes, thats the project i meant ;)

[@budgiebreeding]

I"m an american, but it's exciting to see europe making the same kind of moves american is with our own version of the bison. it's also interesting to see how different they are in the details of their appearance, the bulky shoulders of the american bison and the squared off rump of the european bison, and the environments they live in, plains vs mountains and forest

[@MossyEarth]

Glad you enjoyed it even though you do not live here! - Cheers, Duarte

[@jessicaoppegard6578]

This is amazingly awesome! Although I am not European I think it’s a great thing! The babies look so different almost like a moose! They are cool and I hope other people feel the same!

[@violettaschmieder2096]

in german i think they even call them differently. american bisons are bisons, and european bisons are called "Wisent". my grandparents used to take me to loooooong walks through a wisent conservatory i used to dread. but now i kinda look back fondly

[@antonleimbach648]

American Bison were originally an east coast animal. There is a reason the city of Buffalo is so named. We pushed them west as we settled and that’s why we think they were a plains roaming species.

[@budgiebreeding]

@@antonleimbach648 original range went from Mexico to Alaska covering the entire great plains AND the eastern Forrests, so I guess they are versatile 👍

[@fiveminutefridays]

One small comment I'd like to make is that for data visualization purposes, simply showing numbers over large regions divided by country borders doesn't convey a lot of information about the actual distribution of the bison. It would be great to see a heat map or a point map for information like that! Otherwise, I really love this deep dive, and I'm looking forward to part 2!

[@urtesak-_-8444]

In Lithuania we have a pretty big bison sanctuary that has taken care of them so much that they started releasing bisons free into wild since 1973. I have been to the sanctuary many times and also this year I took a picture of a group of bisons crossing a road :)

[@nowherech]

Would be amazing to encounter a bison in a walk somewhere in Europe!! Our dream would be to make nature documentary like this. In Finland maybe it would be about moose 😂

[@MossyEarth]

The feeling of seeing Moose (or in European Elk or Alch) is very similar to that of finding a bison in the woods! A beautiful animal you need to respect but which can really enrich your experience :) - Cheers, Duarte

[@nowherech]

The size of a moose (or probably especially a bison) surprises every time!

[@giulianobonaldo2995]

💪🏻💪🏻

[@Tsuchimursu]

moose just run away when you encounter them. Only if you're lucky you get close enough to see them do that... :) more often you just hear the crunch of twigs as they gtfo outside of your eyesight.

[@michaeldc951]

I’ve run into bison backpacking Catalina island in California. Walking through thick morning fog to find myself face to face with one. Very cool and slightly terrifying because of their massive size. But a lifelong memory

[@ThaumPenguin]

It's worth highlighting that Norway already has wild bovines, the muskox! They were introduced to the municipality of Dovre in 1947* and have achieved a stable population of a few hundred, some of which have migrated into Sweden. The municipal coat-of-arms of Dovre actually features a muskox, so I take it they're quite happy with them! If bison were to be introduced to the Scandinavian peninsula, as you suggest, it might be wise to do so in places further south, where they wouldn't end up competing with the muskox for grazing areas. * The muskox was originally introduced to Dovre in 1932, but all were wiped out by hunters during WW2, due to food shortages imposed by the Nazi occupation government.

[@MossyEarth]

Indeed although the muskox are currently contained by the government so there would be plenty of space for both. I have recently been researching a video on Brutus, the famous muskox and of course also the Norwegian reintroduction. Excited to make that video this spring / summer. - Cheers, Duarte

[@Aethuviel]

Muskox aren't technically bovines, they're actually related to sheep and goats. But yes, they exist as an invasive, protected species, which annoys the hell out of me as a Swede. If we can have muskox, why not wisent?

[@GustavSvard]

Sweden south of the Daläven river could be a decent place to create a few semi-free herds to start with. The Visent got hunted out (ok, disappeared - but what else could be the reason?) up here during the Viking Age, but things have changed quite a bit since then. 50 years ago we had no wild boar, now there's tens of thousands. There's huge yearly hunts for moose to keep numbers in check. etc. Visents could probably fit in nicely - especially if it starts with a adding more semi free herds. Largest herd in Sweden today is 55 animals (2017 numbers according to wiki). Having 3-10 more such herds could be perfectly doable, I think, if there was a will.

[@ThaumPenguin]

@@Aethuviel Ah sorry, while checking my information I saw that the muskox was part of the bovidae family, and based on the name I assumed that qualified them as bovines. Turns out that's a way wider group than I thought!

[@indyreno2933]

@ThaumPenguin, actually, the muskox does belong to the family Bovidae, Bovidae is the largest and most diverse family of living hoofed mammals, there are over 158 extant species within 72 genera, 10 subfamilies, and three broad clades, the three clades of bovids are the primitive clade, the cattle-like clade, and the goat-like clade, the primitive clade is constituted by the subfamilies Ovibovinae (Muskox, Takin, Gorals, Mountain Goat, Serows, Chamoises, and Tahrs), Hippotraginae (Grazing Antelope), and Alcelaphinae (Hartebeests, Wildebeests, Damalisks, and Hirola), the cattle-like clade is constituted by the subfamilies Peleinae (Rhebok), Reduncinae (Reedbucks, Lechwes, Kob, Puku, and Waterbuck), and Bovinae (Cattle, Spiral-Horned Antelope, Nilgai, and Chousingha), and the goat-like clade is constituted by the subfamilies Caprinae (Goats and Sheep), Antilopinae (Gazelles and True Antelope), Cephalophinae (Duikers), and Neotraginae (Dwarf Antelope), here's the classification of bovids:

[@BogdanStroe]

I live in Romania and I love to see the bison is back in our mountains. As a child I remember I saw a bison in some small reservations. I think one was in Hateg (Hunedoara county) and one in Neamt county. Thanks for your work.

[@cassieplaynow]

I live in Romania, and I remember when i was a child and we went on a school trip, one of the locations we visited had a herd of bison and they told us about them. they were so big and i liked them a lot cuz i had not seen one until then. they were a small group, but i am so glad to see that they are much more now in the wilderness of Romania

[@MossyEarth]

That must have been further west from these new herds! Glad it made an impression on you. It is lovely to see them back in the Romanian wilderness :) - Cheers, Duarte

[@scratchy996]

@@alexandruniculae716 Poaching and massive deforestation is the norm here in Romania.

[@joaquimbarbosa896]

The European Bison needs more media attention

[@MossyEarth]

Agreed!

[@jamessparkman6604]

@@MossyEarth As soon as this species is on the least concern, list, extracting DNA from them will be essential if we are to resurrect their prehistoric ancestors like a giant bison, or Longhorn bison in the ancient bison

[@indyreno2933]

@James Sparkman, actually, Bison antiquus is actually called the antique bison based on its scientific name.

[@jamessparkman6604]

@@indyreno2933 nevertheless, the species are related, and when the European bison are on the least concern list, as well as the American bison, I want DNA extracted to see what you can do for prehistoric bison to evolve back in existence

[@indyreno2933]

@James Sparkman, there are in fact fifteen recognized species of bison, the †Iberian Bison (Bison voigtstendtensis), the †Menner's Bison (Bison menneri), the European Bison (Bison bonasus), the †Italian Bison (Bison deguilii), the †Taman Bison (Bison tamanensis), the †Georgian Bison (Bison georicus), the †Caucasian Bison (Bison caucasicus), the †Bengal Bison (Bison sivalensis), the †Steppe Bison (Bison priscus), the †Chinese Bison (Bison palaeosinensis), the †Siberian Bison (Bison schoetensacki), the †Antique Bison (Bison antiquus), the †Occidental Bison (Bison occidentalis), the †Long-Horned Bison (Bison latifrons), and the American Bison (Bison bison), the closest living relative of the bison (genus Bison) is the Yak (Poephagus grunniens), which is the sole extant representative of the genus Poephagus, the genera Poephagus (Yak Lineage) and Bison (Bison) split from a common ancestor in Europe during the Pliocene.

[@janfnoucek7939]

I love this kind of in-depth analysis of an animal species instead of a particular project. Looking forward to the second part!

[@MossyEarth]

Thank you Jan! We will start work on it soon and it should hopefully come in a few weeks :) - Cheers, Duarte

[@marius165]

Interesting fact: The mentioned “bialowieza” forest on the border between Poland and Belarus is the only truly virgin and fully wild forest existing in Europe. Kind of a European jungle. It was never cut down, as it was used as hunting grounds for the Polish kings across time. Some time back I saw news that Belarus was cutting down some parts of it on their side. It would be nice if you guys could look into it. As a Polish guy living in Ecuador, I appreciate the wilderness.

[@dadikkedude]

I was born in the city of Amsterdam and 3 years ago I moved further out to the coast. To my surprise there was a bison nature reserve. I told all my friends and they didn't believe me, but I could show them. Eventhough they were far away it was still breathtaking to see.

[@PaulCoxC]

I'd love to come across a herd, but even walking through areas knowing something this large is around would really add to the experience for me. I think it would also help us reconnect with the landscape, to encourage us to open up our senses and awareness in light of staying as safe as possible

[@MossyEarth]

When I walk in a forest that has a small chance of an encounter with a bison or an Elk (moose) I just get a little bit more excited for every turn in the trail. This happens regardless of whether I see them and really just enhances the way I picture the forest or grassland and its health. - Cheers, Duarte

[@AlexFlodder]

@@MossyEarth This morning I saw 3 deers while walking my dog in the local inner (!) city park. Animals will lose their scare of humans sooner or later and go into cities. It is a valid question on how to deal with big herds. [edit] Do wolves eat bisons? I doubt that, but if they do, try the already fenced in area's in the veluwe/netherlands.

[@woom_y]

@@AlexFlodder The European Bison have no natural predators. The European Brown Bear would occasionally kill a bison in the past, though, when they lived together.

[@Nphen]

@@AlexFlodder There are tens of millions of deer in North America. Deer are overpopulated in areas where they cannot be hunted - ie suburban areas. This is true. Deer can jump fences and dart across roads. None of these conditions are true for these bison, numbering only a few thousand in the wild. Even in 5 generations for these animals, 30 years or more away, there may only be 40,000 of them wild in all of Europe. The main complaint in a fenced preserve was that they were nowhere to be found. Simply no comparison to North American deer, which are indeed in need of herd control.

[@fidenemini111]

@@AlexFlodder In Yellowstone NP they do it with pleasure.

[@yourinnerhero6950]

Great video! I'm from Belarus and from my childhood I was told about rarity of Zubr. I'm so glad that after 20 years the population of Zubr has grown significantly. Thank you for spreading the word and your work!

[@terramater]

That's fantastic! It's amazing to see the return of the bison in Europe. Something similar is happening in America. The North America's bison population was once 30-60 million, dropping to just 300. Only the creation of US national parks like Yellowstone managed to save them. There are now around 500,000 bison in the USA, but most live on ranches and some on semi-wild reserves. Our crew registered a recent super important event of a bison group being released into the wilderness of Badlands National Park.

[@piotrboron7434]

I remember a situation a few years ago when a wondering bison that crossed Polish-German border was immemorially shot (like within 48 hours or so) by a hunter who was called in to deal whit this unprecedented emergency. It was very sad, especially that this particular individual, the bison I mean, was somewhat known in Poland for his wondering habits.

[@dusiolek6]

Dont forget that German townfolk immediately ate the poor bison :(

[@queenxx1690]

Because of Germans (Hermann Goering)and their hunting in Białowieża forest during war bisons were almost exterminated

[@debbieappelhans9055]

​@@dusiolek6 that's sad that it happened to that bison but you know people we're starving starving back in the day

[@dusiolek6]

@@debbieappelhans9055 back when?! It happened in like 2018

[@debbieappelhans9055]

@dusiolek6 really that's missed up, sorry about the 🦬 rest in peace 🙏 angel 😇

[@rozkaz661]

Ive had a chance to bump into them around białowierza many times, its great to see them back in their place

[@MossyEarth]

Amazing! You are lucky to have that! - Cheers, Duarte

[@ezswagger6969]

As someone who grew up hiking and exploring the outdoors in the United States, its cool to see so many projects aimed at wildlife preservation all across the world

[@larsmathiesen]

I have just found your video today. I thoroughly enjoyed it and learned a lot of new things about this animal and the preservation efforts that you are involved in. I truly admire such dedication to a most important and meaningful cause. I live on the island of Bornholm and can attest to the difficulty in finding these animals even on just 200 hectares. A few years ago, I guided a lady from Finland, who wanted some pictures of the bisons for a Nature Magazine she worked for. We wandered around the enclosure for about 10 hours split over two days and saw absolutely nothing. She gave up and said, she would find some pictures elsewhere. Before leaving, I suggested we take a drive accross the reserve on the only road there, and bingo there were all 12 of them standing on the side of the road munching on the green grassshoots of spring. Needless to say, the got all the pictures she wanted.

[@Anirossa]

As a Norwegian I'm used to moose and deer running across the road frequently, so some bisons more or less don't scare me much, though I know they can be pretty aggressive. I remember a school trip about a decade ago where we were up in the mountains and stopped and looked at a herd of Bisons just chilling. Was shocked by how massive they are. Really incredible animals up close. Glad we are not exterimanting every species on earth. (Though close to). Edit: Musk Ox is the species of bison you find in Norway, they thrive in extreme windy and cold enviorments inland up in the mountains.

[@Weisior]

They are indeed huge! I live in Międzyzdroje, calm (except summer season🤣) coastal town in Poland, where a small (only 28ha) european bison farm is located. It is available to tourists who can watch these amaizing animals on designated days from safe distance. Im always shocked how majestic they look in real life.

[@eirikmoltu553]

In Norway we cannot even tolerate a few wolves and complain about moose ruining the forest. So it probably would not work

[@TheWatcher802]

Just wanted to point out that muskox and bison are indeed different animals. Their diet is different, their ecology is different, they live in different environments and muskoxen are more closely related to sheep and goats than to bison or cattle.

[@chalphon4907]

@@TheWatcher802 Yes, it's a goat, not a cow ;)

[@savyor1839]

The musk ox in Norway is also an introduced species, not native to Norway since the last ice age

[@Nhkg17]

Here in the Czech Republic, our small herd is in a small former military area. But we also have much larger former military areas where only a minimum of people live and could be fenced off. Unfortunately, these areas are not very suitable for wild herds. But in the border mountains there is room for a wild herd...

[@MossyEarth]

Great to hear! Hopefully we will see more projects there :) - Cheers, Duarte

[@MrToradragon]

I feel like Bison is not exactly something that is suitable for mountain ranges. Out of all now defunct bases perhaps only Ralsko would be suitable for this purpose. But perhaps fencing it off would not be necessary. I would say that better habitat for them could perhaps be found along Morava, Dyje and Odra. And to some extent perhaps as well around Orlice. Even thou those areas are not fenced off and perhaps will never be fenced off, they maybe could provide suitable environment that they would not want to leave.

[@honzakcz5115]

Well, the military district Březina could be suitable for them.

[@MrToradragon]

@@honzakcz5115 But that one is still active as far as i know, and I doubt that will be, with current situation in Europe and the World, deactivated anytime soon.

[@ThomasReyntjens]

This slightly longer video was great and I feel I learned several interesting things. There is definitely space for some bison in Luxembourg. We have some nice, large, untouched forests.

[@MossyEarth]

Glad you enjoyed the video! I forgot to mention Luxembourg … Probably a small semi-free herd could fit in there somewhere… - Cheers, Duarte

Bison were recently reintroduced in the UK. I’m excited to see these kinds of rewinding projects.

[@urshocker]

I live in south-west Germany and not far from me in Tübingen there actually is a 4000 ha deer enclosure. It would be incredible to also introduce bisons in there so if you are looking for a project in germany it would be awesome to see them in the "wilderness" again!

[@3ne2nr4life]

You guys should grow as large as the United Nations and have a seat on the committee.. I admire your work and commitment to making the world a better place..

[@MossyEarth]

Not sure we would be useful in such a setting but I am glad you hold our projects in high regard! Thank you for the support :D - Cheers, Duarte

[@-grybach1129]

@@MossyEarth Before 'growing as large as UN' try to learn how to draw Ukraine with Crimea on the map, within our internationally reckognized borders. Good luck having a sympathy and donations from Eastern Europe by spreading Russian narratives.

[@MossyEarth]

@@-grybach1129 Hi Grybach, we are not spreading russian naratives, don't rush to any conclusions on a small error, it was an honest mistake which we are very sorry about. We realised this mistake only after launching the video when the first comment came in about this. The error came about in part because of how google maps displays a weird dotted line there which confused the person that made the map. Our editor simply copied the line as he was working on the video late at night. Not an excuse but that is how it happened. We of course agree that Crimea is Ukranian and are really sad that this error passed our checks. We added the correction to the description of the video a few days ago. Once again, it's an honest mistake, our apologies for this but we are not spreading any Russian narratives, we fully stand with Ukraine. - Thanks, Duarte

[@-grybach1129]

@@MossyEarth If it's mistake and it's been 4 days already, maybe use your pinned comment not to gather money but to address your mistake. And don't call it a 'small error'. We're having bombed, killed and tortured every day mate over that small error which ruzzians think our map is nothing but. I'm not trying to tear-force any sympathy or anthing like that and I don't want to chastice anybody for 5 more hours, so please just update your pinned comment and tell your editor to double-check their work. If you made a mistake publicly and visibly, make the correcting statement equally public and visible. - Thanks, Dmytro

[@MossyEarth]

I have created a pinned comment for clarity. I just want to add that I am personally quite passionate about Ukraine's current situation and I am very sad it happened. I also think you really mistook an accident for intent so I hope that is clear now. - All the best, Duarte

[@danimindak7375]

I live in Hungary (and I love your videos). If I know correctly we also have a semi-free herd (with some wild horses) in the "Őrség" (National Park), not big, but something. The european bison is one of my favorite (european) animals.

[@scottruigrok5986]

Great to hear (,but you don't have to write like this). It only (makes the sentence harder to read).

[@slovenec2086]

Yes, i was there and they had european bisons. And it was awesome

[@Stormclaud]

I live in Poland. I can reach nearest herd which I know in Bieszczady within 2 hours, but I Heard about projects of introducing them in Beskid (even closer). We are very proud we managed to preserve Bisons and we are really introducing them wherever we have a opportunity. Unfortunately we still don't have them enough, especially we are sending a lot od them to other countries

[@LadyScaper]

I love these longer form videos. They help educate the public on the importance of biodiversity and how each species actually provided services to improving the ecosystem they live in. Personally, the enthusiasm on this channel for restoring ecosystems is restoring my faith in humanity. Great job.

[@netkv]

i'd say here in Šumava (Böhmerwald) in Czechia would be great place for them considering there live almost no people thanks to iron curtain, and they seem like really cool animals

[@MossyEarth]

Someone already mentioned it! I think it truly looks like a great place for them.- Cheers, Duarte

[@MrToradragon]

Good luck with the red tape as it is national park. Maybe plateau of Ore Mountains would be better fit.

[@SouthPoleAntarctica]

they won't do much better than the moose, i'm afraid.

[@NicholasShanks]

Would love to see them in Britain too!

[@MossyEarth]

There are a few projects starting in that direction. There is certainly potential for a great semi-free herd at least! - Cheers, Duarte

[@lordhellsreach3552]

It's only small but they are already here in Kent, England in a fenced of area in Blean woods 1 bull 3 cows 1 calf.

[@aunulimansfield3277]

I'm from the US and it's awesome to learn that Europe has bison too and that they are being reintroduced

[@sandfang]

Thank you so much! The European Bison wasn't on my radar but it's nice to hear about it's positive impact. These bits are the ones that are most interresting to me: How these things are connected and species can help with diversity and influence the entire system. Became a member today! :)

[@tomatenmagnet]

In 2018 I went to the polish carpathians and saw a couple of free roaming bison. But mostly I saw their traces. The amount of poop piles was astounding! Anyway, I definitely think there is space for them in my area.

[@invisiblejaguar1]

I'm delighted to hear how well the bison are doing and how passionate people like you guys are about this project. I live in the UK and knowing that these giants are gradually being introduced in the same country I live in is mind-blowing.

[@chrism9294]

I live in California where there are no bison, but years ago I was able to travel to Yellowstone and see them in the wild. They are huge and the herds were large. It was a cool experience, one that I’d like to do again. I hope Europe is successful in increasing their wild bison populations. 🙂

[@boardcertifiable]

California does have bison. They're on the Channel Islands.

[@chrism9294]

@@boardcertifiable wow thanks, I did not know that. I think I’ll check that out this summer.

[@MossyEarth]

If you would like to support our rewilding projects such as restoring kelp forests, reforesting Iceland, restoring wetlands and maybe even a bison project then be sure to check out our Mossy Earth Membership here: mossy.earth

[@effemmelle]

La Mandria Regional Park in Turin, Italy, it's perfect for the European bison: 65 kmq of plain forest/meadows closed by a wall from the most anthropic side, a river from the other side but open to the Alps in the north. It is really worth checking it out!

[@NUKLERA]

In slovenija here me and my father have a lot of forests im sure we could host a bison herd

[@NUKLERA]

Please come into contact with life lynx

[@christopherellis2663]

Central Europe, the Danube Cachement. 🇷🇴 (Timişoara, west of Făgăraş).Don't be like the Austrian couple who didn't want bear spray because it would be cruel. The bear 🐻 didn't care what they thought.

[@SMiki55]

The Białowieża Forest is no longer a continuous woodland unfortunately: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poland%E2%80%93Belarus_barrier

[@samuelhitchcock8547]

I'm very supportive of bison being a keystone species and think they would be great for the environments all over Europe! I'm American who lived close to the Yellowstone national park and enjoyed the Boston there and what they were doing to help their environment. Now love in the UK and am excited about their project to reintroduce bison to the UK wild and what that will do for the diversity! Loved this video I would enjoy more if this thank you!

[@greasybumpkin1661]

There used to be bison kept in a field in the village I grew up in. I found them to be inquisitive creatures similar to cows or horses and if I stood by the gate they'd come over and say hello. I really appreciated having them there on my walk back home after work, if they are an example of your average bison then I would be happy to have them roaming around, very docile and calming.

[@joaquimbarbosa896]

Kinda late commenting this but the video is very well made, from the slight "comedy", to the research and language used. Everything well thought and well produced, combined with excelent videos by the team. The channel really is progressing

[@MossyEarth]

Well Joaquim Barbosa, when you say it I believe it! Thanks for the support :) - Cheers, Duarte

[@kobbihd9191]

To update on the state of only totally free ranging herd in Germany: They were set free in 2013. Sadly, it created many conflicts, especially with the owners of the forests because the bisons damaged a lot of beech trees. Later, the for the bisons responsible association lost some law suits which seemed to end this project. In order to prevent this, the association used some legal tricks and annuled their contract. So therefore, the bisons were transfered to the legal responibility of the state. Now, it is unclear what will happen with them. Maybe they can stay free, or they might be exported to Poland or to a fenced area. If they stay free they are exposed to the high risk of poaching, which already ended rewildering efforts of lynx in Gerrmany.

[@Nphen]

I think this is a good story of why rewilding needs planning. Those Buffalo needed a good home to roam.

[@anissaferringer4965]

This fits with my first thought--there needs to be some trust or type of "bison insurance" to compensate people when the bison cause property damage. If it's easy to get reimbursed when they rip up your field or knock over your standing timber then it's not a big deal to hear they are putting them in a forest near by.

[@anthonybanderas9930]

If I recall correctly they were also shot a couple of times. Not as in poaching but legal hunting. Pissed me off

[@anette2050]

To be honest, I would predict the same kinds of problems for bison in Austria. There just seems to be a very low tolerance for wildlife in general here, unfortunately. I mean, just look at how the reintroduction of wolves is going here. In one word: badly. People seem to poach everything, bears, wolves, eagles, lynx... Besides, there's not exactly a lot of wilderness left here, with the exception of the Alps, and that's probably not the right environment for them, they're too heavy. Maybe they could live in one of the national parks, though...

[@stephanl1983]

​@@anthonybanderas9930 one was shot near the Polish-German border in order of the local authorities, and one was shot because of his injuries. There ist still no legal hunting of Bisons in Germany, please recognize the difference between hunting, poaching and killings ordered by the authorities!

[@giosaniii8329]

Absolutely LOVE the "longer" videos! Even at 20 min., this feels short. Id be so interested in mini-mini series of videos on Individual subjects like these, where there are 2-4 videos, 15-20 min long, (ex: part 1, part 2, Part 3) that basically add up to 1 medium documentary . Regardless, love all your videos and cant wait to see more!

[@MossyEarth]

Well these is a new video out right this minute ! :) Glad you enjoyed the longer format :) - Cheers, Duarte

[@srinjoyroychoudhury7034]

I just subscribed for this video. The concept of Rewilding of Europe holds special place in my heart, even if I am a South Asian. Maybe it's because I love all nature and Animals.

[@Creopid]

I started following and supporting you with the start of this project and its really touching to see how far weve came till today. Keep up the good work.

[@deneguil-1618]

I live in the south of France near the Mediterranean coast, as much as I'd like to see bisons roaming I don't know whether they'd fit in well with the hotter climate and rocky soil There's definitely room though with several big national parks like the Calanques one near Marseille, which apart from the campus and hikers has minimal human activity. This park has seen wolves come back in the last several years too, naturally as well not even reintroduced which i love

[@MossyEarth]

Wolves are able to sneak in... The bison have a tougher time doing that! Would love to see some large herds in the South of France. The area certainly has the space. - Cheers, Duarte

[@joaquimbarbosa896]

It sure looks like a majestic species

[@MossyEarth]

It really is! The royalty of the forests and the grasslands :)

[@joaquimbarbosa896]

@@MossyEarth There is no better description

[@OvertheRiverandThroughtheWoods]

The video was so interesting, we didn't even notice it was longer than usual. As an ecologist and educator, I am so impressed not only by your projects but especially by these efforts to communicate effectively with the public about everything you are doing, and why. Looking forward to following all of it!

[@kaspernielsen9149]

Imagine driving on the highway and a 100 strong herd marches by.. that would be freaking awe-inspiring and amazing

[@nala1007]

I am so happy to see this!! When I was little I learned of the European Bison (Wisent in German) and I loved the idea of them living in the wild again. I actually convinced my elementary teacher to let me do a presentation about them. However when I talked about them many people didn’t even know they existed and one teacher thought I imagined them.😂😂 Anyway thank you for the video

[@kevinboros7427]

I'm Romanian and I didn't even know we have wild bisons in our mountains, I've never seen one in person (captive or not). It's great that our country is doing something useful for a change.

[@ioanab506]

there is actually a reservation you can visit and see bisons in! they live semi-free from what i know, they have a large forest area but they are regularly fed and have some sort of shelter

[@aressus6678]

I am just so excited for the Wisent to return. I live in a lesser dense populated area of Germany and i would love some Wisents herer roaming our Hills, woods and valleys

[@Rowan-zi8ek]

I love these more in depth videos and especially the inclusion of some of the important resources, as I am both curious about some of these more technical details, as well as the ease of access to the important resources for us to continue learning on our own

[@MossyEarth]

Glad to hear this! We will try to mix this kind of video in between our project videos :) - Cheers, Duarte

[@sarahwatts7152]

I've always associated bison with the plains in America, so it's great to shift my perspective. Loved the video!

[@mohammaddzulfikar755]

Hi, I'm so proud of you guys. I'm Indonesian. I adore your work and european citizen concern about wildlife, nature and biodiversity. Indonesia is the most diverse country on eart, but I feels really sad about the degradation from years to years, especially in Java. Not only the citizen here but also the goverment lack the concern about wildlife and nature. Java Island have a lot of empty Savannah which is actually not that long ago we have Javan Banteng, Javan Deer and Javan Tiger roamed here. I only can hope and dream that someday we also can make rewilding project 😖🙏

[@buddyrojek9417]

I will visit the wild animals of Indonesia. I am from Australia. Tell your government it is good for tourism

[@mohammaddzulfikar755]

@@buddyrojek9417 yes actually it's very nice for tourism, without destroying the nature, Indonesian will still have money and job from tourism

[@MarijeEssink]

Near my home in the north of The Netherlands there is the Lauwersmeer National Park, where there are Konik horses and Scottish cows living in certain areas (fenced). Might be nice to have some bison there too.

[@IbexWatcher]

Love this longer documentary format, it's very informative! I'm from the US and would love to see more semi-free and free herds in the eastern part of the continent, where they used to roam. There's space for them in mountains and public lands if you know where to look

[@kreation2021]

I watched the bison video in the morning recently, and then I’m watching this 😂

[@MossyEarth]

Haha well good timing I suppose! That was a while ago and I've been meaning to follow it up so hopefully you get something new and exciting in this video :) - Cheers, Duarte

[@pasza_dem]

I was born close to Białowieska Puszcza/Белавежская Пушча, bisons or Żubr/Зубр, as we call it here is norm for everyone, every child, I hope it will become norm to more Europeans. This region, on both sides of the border is focused on reintroduction of Bisons, this is European heritage, one of the our common crown jewels.

[@alicewilkinson9875]

These long form videos are what made me become a member. There is so much information here, so much evidence, and it makes me feel more comfortable supporting you guys. Your videos changed my view on environmental impact. I was a firm believer in tree planting. Trees, trees and more trees, was how I believed we could make a difference. Rewilding wasn't something I had heard of, but now I'm really passionate about. Learning about the Bison impact is on forests and grassland is very interesting.

[@PatrikInNature]

Some really pro shots, Duarte! I see the new telephoto lens is serving you well :D These videos are really getting better and better...

[@MossyEarth]

Not your level just yet Patrik... trying to get there though! Thank you for the help and the tips! - Cheers, Duarte

[@PatrikInNature]

@Mossy Earth You are quickly getting there. Of course, I appreciate other aspects of these videos as well - all the work that goes into research, planning, filming, and editing. Bravo!

[@MossyEarth]

Thanks man! Much appreciated :)

[@lilym1428]

Love this style of videos

[@MossyEarth]

Thank you Lily! These take a bit more work than the project updates but we think they are important. Glad you like them! - Cheers, Duarte

[@whatreallyisart5898]

excited to eventually get part two. it was really beautiful hearing about bison as the missing piece of the puzzle for their ecosystems. I'm from the so-called US, in a place that naturally doesn't have any bison, but I know they're really incredible creatures cherished by the people indigenous to the same lands as our bison. I hope they start getting reintroduced to Western Europe, and that people who don't know safety with wild animals don't view the bison as a mere tourist attraction, we have a problem with that this side of the pond.

[@Xboxers]

Definitely like these longer indepth videos. Especially with the storytelling you do. I do hope however we'll see some more of MossyEarth in the Netherlands as well sometime :)

[@MossyEarth]

Hi Wilco! Im half dutch myself and my dad lives there but we haven’t really found a project that fits as a lot is being done already. Will probably film a video about the return of the grey seals this spring though and part of it will be in NL. - Cheers, Duarte

[@ashurean]

yoooo, always awesome to see what new things you're attempting to undo some of the damage humans have done to the environment.

[@MossyEarth]

Thank you Ashurean! We are here to get people excited about doing as much of this kind of work as possible :) - Cheers, Duarte

[@ashurean]

@@MossyEarth Just went ahead and became a member, I've been meaning to for a while, but a pay increase at my job made it a bit easier for me to afford.

[@deepbluetree]

I love both the topic and the video layout/length! So excited for the European bison and hoping we can have them in Norway. Maybe then will the farmer's be more willing to let the lynx and wolves live

[@MossyEarth]

Glad you enjoyed the length and format! We will try to mix them in between project updates :) - Cheers, Duarte

[@lightningyonko7490]

Love this channel

[@MossyEarth]

Thank you that means a lot to us! - Cheers, Duarte

[@beauvanleeuwen3888]

It’s so amazing to watch these videos! I did my thesis on Bison populations in the Netherlands and in what areas we can introduce more wild bison there. For my thesis I also interviewd Yvonne which makes it even more interesting. Thanks for making these videos !!!

[@AltaSonix]

I would be totally fine with them freelly roaming in the forests! Here, in the south of Lithuania in the sandy soil forests is a really great spot for them, because the forest aren't cut down that much because of the sandy soils.

[@MossyEarth]

That is their ideal state! Wild and free as they should be :) - Cheers, Duarte

[@tiagodezoeten2557]

Amazing work team! I absorbed so much bison knowledge in < 19:49 min!! I love how these videos are a way to spread awareness about bison and help us explore project opportunities at the same time.

[@MossyEarth]

Glad you enjoyed the video Tiago! Not a biologist looking at projects in depth but still a good way to go looking for opportunities :)

[@kettunainen]

I love this more in-depth type of video - it includes more research, more cohesive data that helps members understand how much work is put into the various projects we are helping to fund. Thank you for all the work you do!

[@saburm]

Hey Duarte, thanks a lot for the enthousiasm and optimism you´re sharing with us. I would love to see them in belgium some day. I guess until now the people haven´t been ready for the idea yet. Hope that changes soon. I´m looking forward to welcoming a better alternative for the highland cattle that populate natural parks these days. Cheers!

[@santiagodelgadolopez5831]

Great work!!! Bison is the spearhead of rewilding in europe!!

[@MossyEarth]

That is a very good way to put it! The spearhead indeed :) - Cheers, Duarte

[@algiz21]

I live in zuid Limburg. My very local area lacks forests and has a lot of villages and infrastructure. But the eifel, Hürtgenwald, Ardennes and Vosges seem like very nice options to reintroduce bison herds as they are all big forests.

[@Atlasworkinprogress]

It's absolutely fantastic to see the European Bison starting to bounce back! As an American, we have our Bison here that we struggled with for nearly 100 years to bring back from the brink. It's great to see others using the same general methods we have been, and refining them for such a massive turnaround in such a short time. With American Bison being released into Siberia as well now (They are thought to be sister taxon to the extinct Steppe bisons), it is likely that in 100-200 years, we will have a thriving Eurasian Steppe again.

[@LMBroadcasting]

I love to see all your videos guys. It feels so good to support your work. Please keep to be so amazing. Thank you!

[@KitKatPL538]

In Poland, bisons (or their variants) are called ,,Żubr''

[@kirasingh8151]

Love these longer videos ✨ And wishing you best of luck on all your Mossy Earth adventures 💚💚

[@Respectable_Username]

Yes love the longer + more in depth videos! I love how the channel can double both as an education channel about natural habitats while also raising money through views to funs these projects 😊

[@thiboramsdonck8899]

This video is very intriguing! To imagine them roaming free again in Europe is amazing. Wonderful work you and everyone is putting in and I'd surely love to see more in-depth video's like this one!

[@AJDrex]

Love your work, thank you for continuing to share all these incredible stories and projects! Very much a fan of this longer, more in depth video style, too!

[@MossyEarth]

Glad you enjoyed the format! We will try to mix it in between the project updates! - Cheers, Duarte

[@stephanieaddison1787]

Loved the longer video. Fantastic to see all the footage of the bison. I think that France would be a great candidate for bison reintroduction there are a lot of forest and mountains that could be appropriate. Exciting times ahead. ☺️

[@LittleRabbit1138]

I live in Wyoming, we have both wild and captive herds of american bison roaming around. I'm fortunate enough to see them nearly daily. I'm really glad that Europe is working to reintroduce this species where it's applicable. These animals do so much for biodiversity and ecological health that we've really only just begun to understand.

[@turtle4llama]

As someone from the American West, the herd of bison has right of way on a 6 lane highway. You stop, wait for them to pass, and hope they don't start a fight with your radiator.

[@FreakStarWars]

I liked the in-depth view! Can´t wait to see free Bison Herds returning to Germany! :)

[@MossyEarth]

Glad you enjoyed the in-depth look! - Cheers, Duarte

[@NetGhost03]

I know that in the Rothaarsteig area, are bison herds. But not sure if semi free or free.

[@JackKinross]

Great video giving hope for the species. Yes please, these longer, in depth videos are really worthwhile.

[@ainagalofreballbe8175]

I loved this video. Thank you for the large format, I enjoyed it. I saw some enclosed bison in Germany a couple months ago, but this video really makes me so excited for the future of rewilding this century. I really look forward to having semi-free or free bison in northern spain, where I come from, for example in the Pyrenees. I literally cried a bit of happy tears at the end when your video drove home that this is really happening. It's like you're bringing back this lost ancestry that humanity is entwined with and we had lost. I don't know why, but I felt as if you had told me about this beautiful story of my great great grandfather and turned a tragic tale into a happy ending. Thank you and all of the people working in conservation groups. To me, this is one of the most beautiful, selfless and important projects we can do as a society.

[@magnushelin007]

I agree with all that you said Aina!

[@wildwaters8348]

I live in Bavaria and I'd love to see bison in our biggest national park the Bayrischer Wald (24.945 ha or 249,9 km²). It was made to protect species like lynx and wolves and the last bits of original forest. I think they even spotted bears returning to this area, so bison would be another step to returning this forest to its original state

[@joaquimbarbosa896]

New video and here I am

[@MossyEarth]

New video and here you are always my friend :D Thanks for the continued support! You've become a know legendary commenter to the team. You should try to join one of the invasive plant removals when you get a chance, everyone would love to meet you. - Cheers, Duarte

[@joaquimbarbosa896]

@@MossyEarth I'm really glad to know that. I can't pay for a subscription yet, but I know how essential your work is. So this is the only way I can help I'm happy if it makes the slightest difference

[@thorfinn_uzumaki8718]

Love the deep dives, and the thorough details. I support your cause. It's insane what we did to the American Bison here in the USA. Thank you

[@MossyEarth]

Thank you ! That means a lot to me and the team :) We will try to mix in these videos between all the project updates. They have an impact of their own I believe. - Cheers, Duarte

[@inez3619]

This is super exciting to watch. Thank you for putting in the effort to make this! I've been watching your videos for a good few months now and I'm always inspired to do better for the planet. Thank you!

[@stujamesp]

I’m in awe of you guys doing such great work. I’m proud to be a member of Mossy Earth !

[@Direwolf1618]

This is interesting, and I can see a lot of parallels between European Bison and American Bison.

[@MossyEarth]

Well except the American bison already bounced back to 30,000 wild and 400,000 captive... Much bette than the 10,000 European Bison. - Cheers, Duarte

[@hughmungus5686]

Keep at it!

[@MossyEarth]

Thank you Hugh we will! - Cheers, Duarte

[@MagikKitty9]

LOVE this longer format. I know it's a lot more work, but seeing a deeper dive into one project or species is really great.

[@wizardscrollstudio]

Im from Romania. I am excited to see bisons return after like hundreds of years when they became extinct in the area. I hope Romanian wilderness can become a home for more animals. We already have thousands of bears and Lynx.

[@timozkurt7944]

A great video team! I like the longer length format, allows for a more extensive view on a wonderful species and its new beginnings!

[@MossyEarth]

Thank you Tim! We might try to make these longer videos from time to time :) - Cheers, Duarte