The Krasnoborsky population of the European bison: history of emergence, present state, and growth perspectives

A new free-living population of the Bialowieza bison (Bison bonasus bonasus L., 1758) was established in 2015 in the northern part of Belarus in the territory of the Verkhnedvinsky and Rossonsky districts, Vitebsk region. We had carried out its regular monitoring for four years (from the moment of its emergence to early 2019). Visual bison observations, search for traces of their vital activity, questionnaires of rangers and local peoples were used for data collection. Information was accumulated on population dynamics, fertility, mortality, age and sex structure, seasonal features of spatial and territorial structure of herds and small groups. There was a rapid increase in the number of animals at the initial stage of the Krasnoborsky population’s existence, which can be explained by the large number of introduced bison founders (68 individuals), the high birth rate level of young animals, low mortality and the predominance of young and middle-aged animals (about 87 % of individuals). The population number had reached 155 individuals by the beginning of 2019. Females predominated over males in a ratio of 1 : 1.84. The Krasnoborsky population consists of two territorial groups. Each of them has several herds, which are extremely unstable in their quantitative, seasonal and sex composition. The area on which the population lives exceeds 17 thousand hectares. The animals use this territory unevenly. Key habitats, regular migration routes and rarely visited areas are highlighted in the paper. Adult males often leave the habitat of the population and exist outside the territory for a long time. Practical measures are indicated in this publication. Their implementation will contribute to the long-term conservation of the Krasnoborsky population. The main directions of ensuring the existence of this bison group are the creation of the functional system of its habitat, including a complex of biotechnical, protective and preventive veterinary measures and genetic control. The development and adoption of a management plan for the Krasnoborsky population will contribute to its conservation.