The habitat conditions for the micro population of the European bison have been improved in Nalibokski Nature Reserve within the "Wetlands" project, funded by the Global Environment Facility and implemented by UNDP in Belarus.

The network of mosaic meadows is created among dense forests for this globally threatened species. Special equipment purchased for the reserve within the project (a mulcher and a modified tractor) will allow to manage these meadows in a sustainable way. 

Shrubs have been removed and disrupted hydrological regime has been optimized to restore the natural foraging grounds of the European bison in the river floodplains and on abandoned amelioration systems.

In 2018, the territory of 146 ha of grassland has been restored in the reserve. It is planned to restore 490 ha of grassland in total within the 5-year "Wetlands" project.

The created network of highly productive foraging grounds in the dense forest will allow to avoid conflicts with local farmers caused by animals feeding in neighboring agricultural fields.

Nalibokski Nature Reserve attracts lots of Belarusian and foreign visitors willing to watch the bisons in the wild. The touristic potential of the reserve has been improved with the help of the “Wetlands” project: the special infrastructure, including 3 feeding grounds, has been created at the reserve to ensure year-round comfortable conditions for the guests of the reserve.

Moreover, a retrospective analysis of the Nalibokski bison micro population has been carried out, the long-term dynamics of numbers and reproduction has been estimated, a set of field research was carried out to assess the winter-spring and summer-autumn spatial distribution of the bison, including the role of foraging grounds and agricultural land.

The genetic status of the European bison in Nalibokski Nature Reserve to be improved

There are plans to improve the genetic status of the European bison micro population in Nalibokski Nature Reserve within the “Wetlands” project.

The individual identification (passportization) of the European bison will be implemented on the basis of molecular-genetic research to assess their genetic potential. At least 5 traps to catch live bisons will be installed and at least 10 samples of biomaterial are expected to be obtained. At least 5 genetic passports, reflecting genetic diversity and potential of the European bison Nalibokski micro population will be prepared through the molecular-genetic research of the received samples.

The results will form the basis for genetic recovery of the Nalibokski micro population of the European bison. These innovative approaches, if proven successful, can go a long way in addressing the threat of habitat fragmentation and ensuring long term stability of the populations of globally important species.