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Story 25 Nov, 2024

Return of the Bison to Azerbaijan

An inspiring project led by IDEA (International Dialogue for Environmental Action) sees Europe鈥檚 largest land mammal roam again in Shahdag National Park.

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European bison in Shahdag National Park, February 2023

Azerbaijan, a nation of about 10 million, is located in the southeastern Caucasus, a region renowned for its wonderful biodiversity. Here, the Caucasus Mountains meet the Caspian Sea and nine of the 11 climate zones intermingle. Unsurprisingly, therefore, Azerbaijan boasts a fascinating array of flora and fauna, including many endemic species and those from both Europe and Asia.

But, as elsewhere, rapid modernisation and climate change have harmed its varied landscapes, creating ecological challenges which both the government and various NGOs, local and international, are striving hard to address.

Such efforts are led by IDEA (International Dialogue for Environmental Action), an Azerbaijani environmental organisation founded in 2011 by Leyla Aliyeva, whose wide-ranging activities include everything from marine conservation to youth education, tree planting, recycling and tackling coastal pollution.

Wildlife conservation is also a great priority for IDEA, which spearheads numerous projects aimed at conserving the country鈥檚 iconic but endangered animals, such as the Caucasian (also known as Persian) leopard. Another project is reintroducing European
bison to the Caucasus Mountains.

Hunted to extinction


The European bison is one of only two surviving bison species, alongside the American bison. The biggest land mammals in Europe, they once roamed in large herds across western, central and southeastern parts of the continent, extending as far as the Volga River and into the Caucasus.

However, by the late 19th century, habitat loss and overhunting had wiped out bison from all but two areas: the Bialowieza Forest, shared between Poland and Belarus, and the western Greater Caucasus Mountains. The former population was then hunted
to extinction in 1921, while the last European bison in the Caucasus was shot by poachers in 1927.

Fortunately, prior to that, a small number had been preserved in zoos, allowing for an international breeding programme that began in the 1920s. The first European bison were released back into the Bialowieza Forest in 1952 and thereafter several other free-ranging populations were established throughout Europe.

The project to reintroduce European bison in Azerbaijan began in 2017, with the construction of a bison reintroduction centre in the Ismayilli section of the Shahdag National Park. In 2019, the centre welcomed the first 12 European bison from members of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA).

Having adapted successfully, the first group of 20 were released into Shahdag National Park in 2020, marking the start of attempts to establish a founder population, projected to reach at least 100 adult animals by 2028. Currently, the number is 66 and some are collared with GPS devices so they can be tracked to collect valuable information. This information is used to manage the wild population now and in the future.

Local benefits

Among the most heartwarming aspects has been witnessing the birth of many calves, as well as the positive impact of this large herbivore on Shahdag鈥檚 forest ecosystems. The presence of such a charismatic animal also brings opportunities for tourism. This can benefit local communities, and IDEA is working hard to involve local people, while additionally running bison-focused summer camps for environmentally conscious students and young adults.

IDEA is the driving force behind the project, in collaboration with WWF Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan, EAZA, the Tierpark Berlin, and WWF Germany as main partners. Additional support has come from various zoos, Rewilding Europe, the European Bison Friends Society, and others.

Thanks to the tireless efforts and inspirational vision of IDEA and partners, Shahdag National Park is the first place in the South Caucasus where European bison roam freely again.

IDEA participated at the upcoming COP29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, 11-22 November 2024, Blue Zone, pavilion G18.

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