Seven years ago, a dozen European bison were released into the wild slopes of Shahdagh in northern Azerbaijan. Today, the herd has grown with 25 calves born naturally, marking a remarkable success for conservation and rewilding.
- 25 wild-born bison calves since 2019
- Reintroduction led by WWF and UN partners
- Project inspires neighboring countries to join
What happened
In 2019, twelve European bison, raised in zoos, were released into the wild for the first time on the slopes of Shahdagh, a mountain region in northern Azerbaijan. This release was the result of years of planning and breeding efforts that began in 2012 to restore the Caucasian bison population from the last surviving male and European bison partners.
Since then, the herd has thrived under the care and monitoring of WWF Azerbaijan along with governmental and international partners. Over the past seven years, 25 calves have been born wild, signaling a thriving population that is successfully readapting to its natural environment.
Why it feels good
This rewilding project is not simply about adding animals back to the landscape; it’s about restoring an important ecosystem engineer whose presence benefits the entire environment. Bison shape their habitats by dispersing seeds, managing vegetation, lowering fire risks, and creating diverse grassland and woodland mosaics that support many species.
The successful restoration also offers hope and inspiration for other Caucasus nations. It demonstrates that with cooperation, degraded lands can be revitalized, wildlife populations rebuilt, and ecological balance restored after decades of environmental damage.
What to enjoy or watch next
WWF Azerbaijan aims for these herds to eventually connect with other populations from neighboring countries, potentially including Georgia and Armenia, to create a larger, stable Caucasian bison population. This envisioned network of protected areas will further enhance biodiversity and ecosystem resilience in the region.
Nature enthusiasts and conservation supporters can follow updates from WWF and regional partners to witness continued success stories and emerging projects. Keeping an eye on similar efforts in places like Europe and North America, where bison restoration is underway, offers a broader picture of how ecosystems worldwide are benefiting from such dedicated rewilding initiatives.