Download
How the European bison came back from the brink: RAZOR
Emma Keeling
Europe;Romania

Translating...

Content is automatically generated by Microsoft Azure Translator Text API. CGTN is not responsible for any of the translations.

Error loading player: No playable sources found
27:54

European bison were once widespread across Europe – but the last one in the wild was killed by poachers in 1927. 

That left just 12 animals in captivity to save the species – and since the 1950s, bison have been reintroduced into the wild. The species is now off the critically endangered list, but it still faces challenges from a lack of knowledge in communities, habitat loss and a narrow genetic base. 

European bison now number almost 7,000 and free-ranging herds can be found in many European countries. Bison hadn't been seen in Romania for more than 200 years but since 2014, groups have been released every year. There are now over 120 living freely in the Tarcu Mountains. This rewilding is not only a boon for the bison but for the wider ecosystem, bringing benefits for 600 species – from micro-organisms to large carnivores.

RAZOR's Emma Keeling treks through the Tarcu Mountains in search of bison, meeting the WeWilder team involved in the rewilding project, jointly led by the WWF and Rewilding Europe. She finds how the return of bison has given the local community opportunities to provide ecotourism services and guiding experiences in the area.

How the European bison came back from the brink: RAZOR

MORE FROM CGTN

Le Pen to 'follow Martin Luther King Jr.' as supporters rally in Paris
{"type":2,"value":"CGTN","commentator":[],"valueShow":true,"commentatorShow":false}

Europe

15:31, 06-Apr-2025

{"type":2,"value":"Rahul Pathak in London","commentator":[],"valueShow":true,"commentatorShow":false}

Europe

17:32, 05-Apr-2025

{"type":2,"value":"Ken Browne in Madrid","commentator":[],"valueShow":true,"commentatorShow":false}

Europe

17:14, 05-Apr-2025

{"type":2,"value":"CGTN","commentator":[],"valueShow":true,"commentatorShow":false}

Europe

12:29, 05-Apr-2025

TOP NEWS

Full text: China states its position on opposing U.S. abuse of tariffs
{"type":2,"value":"CGTN","commentator":[],"valueShow":true,"commentatorShow":false}

China

13:31, 06-Apr-2025

Japan's PM to discuss tariffs with Trump after failed exemption lobby
{"type":2,"value":"CGTN","commentator":[],"valueShow":true,"commentatorShow":false}

World

09:34, 06-Apr-2025

Yangon-Mandalay railway, Mandalay airport resume operations
{"type":2,"value":"CGTN","commentator":[],"valueShow":true,"commentatorShow":false}

Politics

09:32, 06-Apr-2025

Search Trends