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Borjomi Summit

Georgia

November 7-9 2023

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Reintroduction of the

European Bison

2010 – Today

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Michael Finley

GC Board of Directors

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Michael Finley

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Mike Finley

  • President Emeritus Turner Foundation
  • Superintendent – U.S. Park Service
    • Yellowstone National Park
    • Everglades National Park
    • Yosemite National Park

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Michael Finley

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Michael Finley

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Michael Finley

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Yellowstone National Park

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Yosemite National Park

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Everglades National Park

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Reintroducing European Bison

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Reintroducing European Bison

Bison disappeared from Romania over 200 years ago.

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In 2010-2015 transferred European bison from Western European captive facilities to the Carpathian region:

      • 20 – 25 animals to Vanatori Neamt National Park, Romania
      • 10 – 14 animals to Skolivski Beskydy National Park, Ukraine
      • 5 – 8 animals to Bieszczady, Poland
      • 5 – 8 animals to Poloniny National Park, Slovakia

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Reintroducing European Bison

  • Supported Collection and Analysis of genetic material from captive and free-ranging herds across Europe and Russia.
  • Built a Comprehensive Genetic Database to inform preferential breeding activities and optimal reintroduction strategies.
  • Now, Half of the 150+ bison that currently roam free in the landscape have been born in the wild
  • Extending across 3 million hectares, Bison Habitat encompasses various protected areas

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European Bison

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Reintroducing European Bison

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European Bison

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European Bison

Rewilding Europe

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Thank You!