From Extinction to Climate Champion: The Bison’s Remarkable Comeback in Romania

Rewilding: A Key Strategy for Carbon Capture

In the Țarcu Mountains of Romania, the return of European bison is not just a success for wildlife but also a promising strategy for climate change mitigation. Between 2014 and 2021, 170 bison were reintroduced to this mountainous region, once devoid of these majestic creatures for over 200 years. Experts believe these large herbivores could play a crucial role in combating climate change.

New research from Yale University suggests that the bison’s grazing habits could significantly increase the carbon capture capabilities of local ecosystems. By grazing on 48 square kilometers of grasslands within a 300 square kilometer landscape, the bison are helping to sequester an additional 54,000 tonnes of carbon annually. This is nearly ten times the amount of carbon the ecosystem would capture without the bison. According to the study, this additional carbon sequestration is equivalent to offsetting the emissions from around 84,000 average US petrol cars each year.

Researchers believe that bison help capture carbon through various means. Their grazing prevents overgrowth, while their waste acts as a fertilizer for the soil. Furthermore, they disperse seeds and compact the ground, which reduces the release of carbon back into the atmosphere.

A Successful Reintroduction

The European bison once roamed freely across Europe but faced near extinction due to overhunting. By 1927, only a handful remained in captivity, with populations confined to zoos. However, through concerted breeding and rewilding efforts, the species has made a dramatic comeback. In Romania, bison were reintroduced in 2014 as part of a broader initiative led by Rewilding Europe and WWF Romania.

Since then, the bison population in Romania’s Țarcu Mountains has steadily grown. By 2023, the herd reached 170 individuals, one of the largest free-roaming bison populations in Europe. These bison are now an integral part of the local ecosystem and a symbol of conservation success.

Expanding the Herd

The herd’s growth has been impressive. Genetic studies have shown that nearly half of the bison now roaming free in the Țarcu Mountains were born in the wild. This marks a significant milestone in ensuring the genetic viability of the population. To maintain the health and diversity of the herd, careful monitoring and genetic analysis are ongoing.

Currently, the range of the bison in the Southern Carpathians spans around 230 square kilometers, a record for reintroduced European bison herds. These animals, tracked by GPS collars, have been observed reaching elevations as high as 2,100 meters, showing their adaptability to the landscape.

Ecological and Economic Impact

The reintroduction of bison to Romania has brought benefits not only for biodiversity but also for local communities. As these magnificent creatures roam freely, they contribute to maintaining the mosaic of forests and grasslands in the region. Their grazing helps prevent the encroachment of shrubs and trees, maintaining a balanced ecosystem.

The bison also serve as a major tourist attraction. In an area where tourism was once almost nonexistent, locals now have the opportunity to earn an income from guiding tours, offering meals, and selling local products. This has fostered a greater appreciation for the animals and the surrounding wildlife.

Efforts to ensure peaceful coexistence between bison and humans include installing electric fences, regular ranger patrols, and educational programs for the public.

Please also read: What is the bison´s future in Europe?

Looking Ahead

The future of Romania’s bison population is bright. Continued research will explore how bison impact local habitats and ecosystems. New studies will focus on the bison’s diet, genetics, and the overall ecological and social dynamics of the region. The goal is to learn from this project and apply the findings to other European bison reintroductions.

As more bison are reintroduced to the wild, conservationists hope to scale up efforts to help the species fully recover. The rewilding of Europe’s largest land mammal shows just how crucial these animals are to restoring balance to the ecosystems they once roamed.

Conclusion: A Climate Solution?

The rewilding of the European bison in Romania is a testament to how large herbivores can help mitigate climate change while also restoring biodiversity. The efforts in Romania demonstrate that reintroducing wild animals is not just a tool for conservation but a powerful way to combat the climate crisis. As this project continues to expand, it may offer a model for other regions to follow, potentially transforming the way we approach environmental restoration worldwide.