European Rewilding Network

Reintroduction of European bison to Shahdag National Park

European Bison in Azerbaijan

Emil Khalilov / WWF
Emil Khalilov / WWF

With the shooting of the last wild European bison in the Caucasus in 1927, this species was completely wiped out in its natural habitat. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan, WWF- Azerbaijan and WWF-Germany, Tierpark Berlin, Ex situ program for European bison of the European Association for Zoos and Aquarium (EAZA/EEP), International Dialogue for Environmental Action (IDEA) with support of many other partners formed a coalition for establishing a healthy and viable in-situ population of European bison in Shahdag National Park (Azerbaijan). The reintroduction of this large herbivore will assure natural dynamics in the ecosystems of which many plant and animal species will benefit. The European bison will raise public awareness for nature protection and will contribute to the creation of new opportunities for ecotourism and sustainable socio-economic development in the region.

Specification Description Achievements Exchange
Project: Reintroduction of European bison to Shahdag National Park
Region: Shahdag National Park, Azerbaijan
Type of project: Creating space for wilder nature, Increasing interest in the wild through communications, Supporting wildlife comeback
Aim and vision: The aim of this initiative is to establish a viable, self-sustaining, free-ranging population of European bison in Azerbaijan.
The earth is home to countless fantastic animal species and we have committed ourselves to wildlife conservation. We want to inspire our guests, raise awareness for species conservation and make a sustainable contribution to global species protection.
Uniqueness of the project: In 2012 the European bison was chosen the iconic species for conservation in Azerbaijan, important to protect and restore the rich biodiversity in the Greater Caucasus. From a species conservation point of view the reintroduction of free-ranging European bison to Azerbaijan assist the conservation of the global population.
Other activities: Community involved, Education, High-impact communications, Research
Results you aim to accomplish in 10 years from now on: Reintroduction of about 100 captive bred European bison (LC- breeding line) from the EAZA Ex-situ programme by the end of 2028. Establishment of a self-sustaining population in Azerbaijan long-term.
Results so far: In 2019 with financial support of the German Government a reintroduction center for the species was established in the National Park and is in full operation since then. Between 2019 and 2023 six transports of breeding herds with a total of 47 bison carefully selected from the EAZA Ex-Situ Programm has been transported from Germany and other EU Countries to Shahdag National Park for reintroduction into the National Park. The parties agreed to bring over additional up to 60 bison by the end of 2028. A first herd of 41 European bison has been successfully reintroduced into Shahdag National Park. Ten calves have been born so far within the National Park.
Inspirational value: This project is a collaboration between the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan, WWF-Azerbaijan and WWF-Germany, Tierpark Berlin, Ex situ program for European bison of the European Association for Zoos and Aquarium (EAZA/EEP), International Dialogue for Environmental Action (IDEA). While the partners on the ground e.g. WWF can comment on the lessons learned within the practical operations in Shahdag National Park, the team of Tierpark Berlin gained extensive knowledge over the years on how best to prepare for and manage European bison during long-distance transport as well as forming a herd out of single individuals.
Experience you would like to share: As a proud member of Rewilding Europe's partner network, Tierpark Berlin brings valuable experience in biodiversity, conservation, and sustainability. We are eager to share our insights, contributing to a collaborative exchange of knowledge. Together, let's achieve remarkable milestones in rewilding and restoring our precious natural world.
Experience you would like to gain: We are equally excited about gaining new experiences. Joining forces, we aim to learn from our partners, embracing diverse perspectives to achieve impactful rewilding and restoration goals.
Map
Country
Azerbaijan
Start year
2019
End year
2028
Size (ha)
40000
Area type
Mountainous, Temperate deciduous forest
Natural process
Natural grazing
Flagship species
Bison
Reintroduction of European bison to Shahdag National Park
Reintroduction of European bison to Shahdag National Park
Emil Khalilov / WWF
Emil Khalilov / WWF

With the shooting of the last wild European bison in the Caucasus in 1927, this species was completely wiped out in its natural habitat. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan, WWF- Azerbaijan and WWF-Germany, Tierpark Berlin, Ex situ program for European bison of the European Association for Zoos and Aquarium (EAZA/EEP), International Dialogue for Environmental Action (IDEA) with support of many other partners formed a coalition for establishing a healthy and viable in-situ population of European bison in Shahdag National Park (Azerbaijan). The reintroduction of this large herbivore will assure natural dynamics in the ecosystems of which many plant and animal species will benefit. The European bison will raise public awareness for nature protection and will contribute to the creation of new opportunities for ecotourism and sustainable socio-economic development in the region.

Map
Country
Azerbaijan
Start year
2019
End year
2028
Size (ha)
40000
Area type
Mountainous, Temperate deciduous forest
Natural process
Natural grazing
Flagship species
Bison
Specification
Project: Reintroduction of European bison to Shahdag National Park
Region: Shahdag National Park, Azerbaijan
Description
Type of project: Creating space for wilder nature, Increasing interest in the wild through communications, Supporting wildlife comeback
Aim and vision: The aim of this initiative is to establish a viable, self-sustaining, free-ranging population of European bison in Azerbaijan.
The earth is home to countless fantastic animal species and we have committed ourselves to wildlife conservation. We want to inspire our guests, raise awareness for species conservation and make a sustainable contribution to global species protection.
Uniqueness of the project: In 2012 the European bison was chosen the iconic species for conservation in Azerbaijan, important to protect and restore the rich biodiversity in the Greater Caucasus. From a species conservation point of view the reintroduction of free-ranging European bison to Azerbaijan assist the conservation of the global population.
Other activities: Community involved, Education, High-impact communications, Research
Achievements
Results you aim to accomplish in 10 years from now on: Reintroduction of about 100 captive bred European bison (LC- breeding line) from the EAZA Ex-situ programme by the end of 2028. Establishment of a self-sustaining population in Azerbaijan long-term.
Results so far: In 2019 with financial support of the German Government a reintroduction center for the species was established in the National Park and is in full operation since then. Between 2019 and 2023 six transports of breeding herds with a total of 47 bison carefully selected from the EAZA Ex-Situ Programm has been transported from Germany and other EU Countries to Shahdag National Park for reintroduction into the National Park. The parties agreed to bring over additional up to 60 bison by the end of 2028. A first herd of 41 European bison has been successfully reintroduced into Shahdag National Park. Ten calves have been born so far within the National Park.
Exchange
Inspirational value: This project is a collaboration between the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan, WWF-Azerbaijan and WWF-Germany, Tierpark Berlin, Ex situ program for European bison of the European Association for Zoos and Aquarium (EAZA/EEP), International Dialogue for Environmental Action (IDEA). While the partners on the ground e.g. WWF can comment on the lessons learned within the practical operations in Shahdag National Park, the team of Tierpark Berlin gained extensive knowledge over the years on how best to prepare for and manage European bison during long-distance transport as well as forming a herd out of single individuals.
Experience you would like to share: As a proud member of Rewilding Europe's partner network, Tierpark Berlin brings valuable experience in biodiversity, conservation, and sustainability. We are eager to share our insights, contributing to a collaborative exchange of knowledge. Together, let's achieve remarkable milestones in rewilding and restoring our precious natural world.
Experience you would like to gain: We are equally excited about gaining new experiences. Joining forces, we aim to learn from our partners, embracing diverse perspectives to achieve impactful rewilding and restoration goals.
Reintroduction of European bison to Shahdag National Park
Reintroduction of European bison to Shahdag National Park
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