22 January 2026

Belovezhskaya Pushcha begins winter bison count

The winter bison count has started in the Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park, BelTA learned from the national park.

From 20 January to 9 February, the park’s mammalogist scientists and gamekeeper service are conducting the annual monitoring of the European bison population.

The goal is to determine the exact number of animals, the herd’s sex and age structure, and to assess their overall physiological condition, including those that have roamed beyond the park’s boundaries. Consideration is given to identifying weak and elderly individuals.

The census is carried out using traditional methods: visual observations at feeding sites; counting tracks in the snow; and photo documentation.

It is worth noting that the count in 2025 recorded 726 bison, including 132 adult males (over 3.5 years old), 378 adult females, 127 young animals (1.5-3.5 years), and 89 calves. 

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