The experience of the regions is used in the revival of the bison population in the Nizhny Novgorod region.

      Photo: Press Service of the Legislative Assembly of the Nizhny Novgorod Region

      On July 14, the chairman and staff of the Committee of the Legislative Assembly of the Nizhny Novgorod Region for Ecology and Natural Resources, Vladislav Atmakhov, visited the Mordovian State Nature Reserve named after P.G. Smidovich. During the working trip, the parliamentarian, together with the director of the reserve, Alexander Ruchin, discussed the experience of breeding the bison population in the Republic of Mordovia. Historically, bison lived on Nizhny Novgorod land—the last records of this date back to around 1816. Today, these animals are listed in the Red Book, and their restoration has become a task for the entire global community. Russia has actively engaged in this work: a special group has been created under the Government of the Russian Federation. In certain regions of our country—Vladimir Region, the Republics of Mordovia and Bashkortostan—there are already active projects for breeding bison. The idea to revive the population of these animals arose after visiting the Bialowieza Forest.

      The Mordovian reserve is one example of bison introduction. The first such animals appeared here in 2019. Over six years, their number has increased more than fourfold, and today there are already over 40 individuals living in the reserve.

      During the meeting, reserve experts spoke about important nuances of bison care. These animals prefer forests with deciduous species and require large spaces. Specialists are increasingly abandoning enclosure keeping in favor of free grazing, as in three to four years, bison turn enclosures into trampled wastelands. Feeding a substantial herd also requires serious resources: for forty heads, up to 250 kg of hay is needed weekly, more than 300 kg of oats or barley daily, and 30-40 kilograms of pumpkin, beets, or apples. Moreover, the activity radius of one bison is about 22 kilometers, and individual animals can travel up to 100 kilometers.

      "We have thoroughly studied the roadmap of our neighbors for implementing this project. The Chairman of the Legislative Assembly of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, Evgeny Lyulin, tasked the deputies with assessing the possibilities of our region and proposing an action plan for the 'return' of bison to Nizhny Novgorod land. Bison from Mordovia often cross the border and enter our forests. This means that the project is not only feasible but also ecologically promising: bison can thrive on Nizhny Novgorod land. Moreover, there is already proven experience from neighboring regions that could help our region become another center for the conservation of this unique species of animals," noted Vladislav Atmakhov.

      It should also be noted that in Mordovia, the introduction was carried out in the territory of the reserve, which is a specially protected natural area of federal significance. In the Nizhny Novgorod Region, there is currently no suitable prepared site. Since bison prefer deciduous species—aspen, willow, oak, rowan—not all existing reserves in the region may meet the stated requirements. Therefore, for the introduction of bison into the Nizhny Novgorod Region, it is necessary to create a specially protected natural area of regional significance that will take on the issues of keeping and protecting this red-listed species of animals. Another option for solving the issue involves finding an interested hunting economy that will bear this burden. This approach, for example, is being implemented in the Kaluga Region: in the hunting economy "Petrovskoye," nine bison were released in 2007. Today, their number exceeds 50 individuals.

      Work to find optimal solutions for the return of bison to the Nizhny Novgorod Region will continue with the involvement of various experts. The issue requires comprehensive study—from selecting a suitable territory to forming a project roadmap considering regional features. The Legislative Assembly, together with the regional government, intends to systematically explore all possible options to create conditions for the appearance of European bison on Nizhny Novgorod land.

      

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