Class: MAMMALIA

Genus and species: Bison bonasus

Habitat: Deciduous woodland with open spaces

Length: Body up3.5m , tail up to 60cm

Weight: 800 - 900kg (12 x man)

Lifespan: 20 years

Habit: Herds

The European Bison is heavily built with longer hind legs than the American Bison.Its dark brown coat is short over most of the body but slightly longer around the head and neck.It has a pair of horns on the head, which may reach 51cm in length in the male.It has a thin tufted tail.

This family contains about 123 species including cattle,sheep and goats. They can be found in diverse habitats from grassland and tundra to desert and forest.The common factors though are their even- toed hoof formation and the complex four - chambered stomach which means they "chew the cud".

Strong and muscular.The tail is tufted at the end.

Two small slightly curved horns on the head .These are usually used in defence not for

fighting.

A dark brown short haired coat , with longer hair around the neck and top of the head.

They usually live in small herds led by a dominant male who can be distinguished from the female as it is larger.

Bison have no facial expressions so body language is very important in conveying messages.

They feed on grass , leaves , bark, acorns and branches.

The gestation period is 9 months and the female produces a single calf.

European Bison evolved over three million years ago.

The name probably comes from the old Germanic word "wisent".

European became extinct during the 1920’s.

Now a few herds have been re-introduced to Poland and Russia.

American Bison

A combination of forest clearance , the First World War and hunting led to the extinction of the European Bison in the 1920’s.

They are gradually being re - introduced back into reserves in Poland and Russia.