ЕВРОПЕЙСКИЙ ЗУБР (BISON BONASUS LINNAEUS, 1758) В БЕРЕЗИНСКОМ БИОСФЕРНОМ ЗАПОВЕДНИКЕ И НА СОПРЕДЕЛЬНЫХ ТЕРРИТОРИЯХ

This study examines the results of the reintroduction of the European bison (Bison bonasus Linnaeus, 1758) to the Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve from 1974 to 2025. The study focused on the Borisov-Berezinskaya bison micropopulation. Relevant scientific documentation was reviewed. Field observations were conducted from 2010 to 2025 on the territory of the Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve, the hunting grounds “Berezinaˮ and “Lavnikiˮ, the Borisov forestry, the agricultural cooperatives “Zamosh’yeˮ and “Zembinskyˮ. For the first time, bisons were brought to the Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve in 1974. The maximum number of animals in a herd was recorded in 2005, when there were 39 individuals. Since then, there has been a steady decline in the population. The main reason for this is inbreeding. Migration of bison from the reserve, division of the herd into smaller groups, and anthropogenic impact aggravated this problem. The last bison of this herd died of natural causes in 2025.At the end of 2022, the Borisov-Berezinskaya micropopulation was renewed. Fifteen (15) bisons were brought from the Osipovichi Forestry. The territory of the hunting ground “Berezinaˮ (under the Berezinsky Nature Reserve) was chosen for the bisonʼs introduction. An enclosure was constructed near Brody village for the temporary housing of the animals. In mid-June, the bisonы were released into the wild. By winter, the herd had moved 6 km to the south. Here the bison fed on the agricultural fields. The main herd of 13 bisons was formed. Other bisons stay in small groups or singly. Еhe third year has seen calf-birth.