Dzūkija rejoices at rare birth: species once near extinction finds a new home in Lithuania

Dzūkija National Park has announced a joyous occasion: the birth of the first European bison calf this year at the Stėgalių bison farm. This event brings renewed hope for the species, which has a history of being critically endangered.

The European bison, also known as the wisent, was once widespread across Europe but faced severe population decline due to hunting and habitat loss. By the early 20th century, the species was on the verge of extinction, with only a few individuals remaining in captivity.

Conservation programs initiated in the mid-20th century have been instrumental in the species' recovery. These efforts, including breeding programs and reintroduction into protected areas, have allowed the European bison to regain a foothold in its native habitats. The birth of a calf in Lithuania's Dzūkija National Park signifies the ongoing success of these vital conservation initiatives and the species' gradual return to the region.