Seminars on the reintroduction of Caucasian bison to Azerbaijan

From May 29 to June 1, seminars were held in secondary schools within the framework of the “Reintroduction of Bison to Azerbaijan” program, organized by the IDEA Public Union, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the WWF Azerbaijan Office.

The seminars were organized in secondary schools located near the bison’s natural range in the Ismayilli and Gabala districts, including the villages of Buynuz, Istisu, Qurbanafandi, Topchu, Galajig, Sumaghalli, Khanagah, Vendam, Bunut, Nohurqishlaq, Mammadagali, Tuntul, and Yengija.

During the seminars, lectures were delivered on the history of the endangered bison species in Azerbaijan, their ecological role and position in the food chain, as well as ongoing conservation and restoration efforts. Young nature enthusiasts showed special interest in the work carried out for bison recovery and expressed their support.

It should be noted that 12 animals of the Caucasian bison species, once extinct in our country, were recently brought to Azerbaijan from zoos in France and Belgium. A special area has been created for them in the Ismayilli section of Shahdag National Park. After spending some time undergoing an adaptation period in this area, they will be released into the wild. It is also planned to bring an additional 8 bison to the area this year.

Extensive conservation and awareness-raising activities regarding the reintroduction of Caucasian bison into Azerbaijan’s nature are carried out by the IDEA Public Union, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, and the WWF Azerbaijan Office.

Although bison once spread over a vast area across Eurasia, by the early 20th century their wild population had almost completely disappeared. The last bison in the Caucasus Mountains was killed in 1927. The vast majority of bison currently existing in the world have been bred in zoos, and efforts to restore the species continue in this way. Wild bison are strong, massive animals and have been regarded as a symbol of strength by humans since ancient times.

Taking into account the goal of further enriching Azerbaijan’s biodiversity with bison and their potential role in the development of forest ecosystems, the organizers of the project call on residents of the northern regions of Azerbaijan and the public across the entire country to support the return of Caucasian bison to our nature, their protection, and the prevention of illegal hunting.