Imogen Calderwood
FOR the first time in 10,000 years, European bison have reproduced in the wild in Spain.
This enormous step in the conservation of this endangered species was driven by a European programme in collaboration with Spanish Fund for the Protection of Wild Animals (FAPAS).
With just 4,000 European bison left worldwide, the birth of the two calfs – named Pipa and Lipion – is vital for the survival of the species.
The European initiative, headed by the Conservation Centre of the European Bison in Spain (EBCC), released 16 bison from the Netherlands and Belgium into the wild around the town of Teverga, in the Asturias region.
While three of the herd died due to the hard winters in the area, the remaining 13 – as well as both infants – are thriving since their introduction to the area in 2012.
The European bison is a historically-significant species to Spain as it features prominently in Paleolithic cave art across the country.
The European Bison lived in the great European forest which once stretched from the Steppes to the Atlantic. The biggest concentration is to be found in Romania, principally because only Ceaucescu and his cronies were allowed to hunt them.
Because they have never been tampered with genetically they do not need all the anti-biotics and growth hormones that today’s cattle have to have and which we ingest into our bodies, Just like systemic chemicals that are used on food crops.
We could easily replace these Frankenstein cattle with the superior meat of the bison but vested interests will never allow this.
Are bulls related to Bison?
Or you could go vegan and leave the animals in peace
Angie: You can have a bull bison or a cow bison. Not to be confused with the poor creatures that some Spanish (and others) enjoy torturing. Though given half a chance, I dare say they would include them too.