100 years ago European bison were extinct in the wild, European but they are now returning bison in the to Dutch nature. Netherlands
Wisents, or European bison, once roamed mammal. Thanks to conservation wild throughout large parts of Europe. efforts, reintroduction projects and We know from fossil remains found in the breeding centres, bison population is North Sea and just across the Belgian and now growing and spreading. In December German borders that wisents were probably 2015 there were 6,000 bison in Europe: also native to the Netherlands. However, 4,400 in the wild or living in semi-wild except for a few animals remaining in conditions and 1,600 in captivity. captivity, European bison went completely Nevertheless, European bison is still a extinct in the wild. Fortunately, a breeding vulnerable species and more work needs programme initiated in Poland in 1929 to be done to ensure that this impressive managed to save Europe’s largest land animal is no longer at risk. European Unique in the European bison bison in the Veluwe in Kraansvlak Landscape: The Kootwijk forestry area at the Netherlands Landscape: Kraansvlak is composed by 330 heart of the Veluwe region is one of the oldest areas hectares of coastal sand dunes of different ages with managed by Staatsbosbeheer (the government agency several natural dune lakes. The landscape ranges from that manages natural heritage in the Netherlands). The The wisent, also known as the European bison, open dune grasslands to dense coniferous and area contains forest, heathland, the largest natural sand deciduous forests. drift in Western Europe and the area where bison live. is the largest living land mammal in Europe. Captive Together with naturally occurring red deer and wild boar, the breeding and reintroduction programmes have Project: Since the arrival of European bison in 2007 at Zuid- wisent make this diverse landscape even more appealing. saved European bison from extinction, but it is still a Kennemerland National Park, the herd grows naturally without any supplementary feeding. This has given scientists the perfect Project: 2016 saw the arrival of a small herd of wisents vulnerable species. Also the Netherlands is pushing frame to study bison ecology under natural conditions. in the Veluwe. The herd’s 400 hectares terrain is off-limits to the public. European bison enrich the landscape and bison conservation, several Dutch organisations are What you can see and do: A herd of more than nature. Additionally this helps to preserve the species. helping the species conservation, and nowadays 20 wisents • Lookout point near the main watering Guided tours are the only way of seeing these awe-inspiring animals in the Veluwe. around 70 bison can be found in Dutch nature. site • Bison trail – with chance to catch sight of the animals roaming the dunes while This brochure explains where you can see What you can see and do: walking through the park • Excursions Lelystad Hiking and cycling excursions. these awe-inspiring animals. with a ranger.
www.wisenten.nl Overveen www.wisentopdeveluwe.nl Kootwijk
Lelystad European Nature Park bison in the Maashorst Landscape: Lelystad Nature Park covers Landscape: At the Maashorst nature reserve 400 hectares and provides large areas of habitat Maashorst trees, plants and animals run the show just like they for several critically endangered species. The wisents used to. Pick your way among trees, brooks and wildlife. here roam 40 hectares, which they share with Spot bison, tauros and Exmoor ponies. Experience the Przewalski’s horses. You might also spot Père David’s impressive geological phenomenon ‘de wijst’, which is unique deer, otters, storks, and elks. to this area. Discover archaeological sites and ancient treasures. Follow your instincts and see where they lead you! Project: The European bison breeding programme Rules for visitors Project: A small herd of European bison lives in a 170 hectares releases a herd of wisents in other areas of Europe Keep at least 50 meters every two years. distance from the animals. enclosure. Researchers study how bison interact with walkers (with dogs on a leash), cyclists, riders and horse drivers. Never walk through the herd. What you can see and do: Wisent trail • Excellent The long-term aim is to allow the bison to roam free in an area of 1500 hectares that includes footpaths, cycling hiking and cycling trails • Visitor centre (with Stay on the trail. If there are bison bike hire) • Field trips • Electric car and silent on the path, turn back! trails and horse trails. boat excursions for groups • On-site Dogs are not allowed. What you can see and do: Hiking excursions can be restaurant • The park is open from booked through www.natuurcentrumdemaashorst.nl. sunrise to sunset daily and Do not feed the animals. Occasionally, there are open-days admission is free. organized for public to visit the area. Stay away from the calves. Females are protective www.flevo-landschap.nl/natuurpark of their young. www.bezoekdemaashorst.nl