Beasts in the mist

This spring our volunteer James Scipioni accompanied Forests Without Frontiers (FWF) founder Nicoleta. Here he recounts the day they spent tracking the bison that are being reintroduced into the wild as well as the day they spent visiting the home of the bear orphanage.

Some of Europe’s richest biodiversity is found in Romania, but more recently, beasts have been returning! We visit two project sites preserving keystone species fundamental to the full restoration and health of Romania’s ecosystems. Both these species conservation projects will be an integral part of Forests Without Frontiers’ (FWF) campaign efforts to protect Europe’s natural heritage.

*First bison calf born in the wild. Photo credit: Foundation Conservation Carpathia*

Europe’s Gorilla

The local villagers of Leresti are positive about the bison’s return, hoping it will offer opportunities in ecotourism whilst protecting their neighbouring forest. Foundation Conservation Carpathia (FCC) is helping communities prepare for this with workshops in sustainable enterprise and environmental awareness. It’s encouraging to meet locals with such enthusiasm for the preservation of nature, approaching the challenges with new ideas and optimism.

Since 2019 eleven semi-wild juvenile and adult European Bison have been reintroduced into Romania’s wilderness by FWF’s local partner FCC. Individuals were brought over from Poland, Germany, the UK, and Sweden to ensure a healthy genetic pool. A total of 75 bison are planned to be released as part of the rewilding efforts across the Fagaras Mountains.

Recently we visited the reintroduction site in Leresti, where bison are first acclimatised and their health monitored for 21 days before being released into a 100 hectare mountainside enclosure to become accustomed to each other and their surroundings. After approximately two months, the monitored bison herd are free to wander and graze the wider wilderness without restriction. It was a privilege to feel the silent stare of a bison from a distance, a powerfully primeval and heart-warming sensation.

Can the bison follow the ecotourism and conservation success story of Rwanda’s Gorilla? We believe the bison could be a powerful symbol for a renewed balance with nature and a trigger for sensitively managed tourism with local communities at its core, offering an opportunity for both human and ecological prosperity.

A Bear Necessity

*Nico with Leo and Gabi from the bear orphanage*

We drive north through the region of Transylvania, which aptly translates as Through the Forest, arriving at a remote location hidden amongst the trees. This forest-hugged hideaway is Europe’s only Bear reintroduction centre - Bear Again. 200 orphaned bear cubs have been re-released into the wild since 2001.

As a result of deforestation and habitat disturbance orphan bears are frequently separated from their mothers in spring, shortly after their birth. Leo and Gabi, who run the bear orphanage, highlight environmental disturbance at a large scale has become an increasing problem. Those cubs lucky enough to be rescued are brought to the centre for a two-year rehabilitation process with absolute minimal human contact to avoid any association between them and food sources. Orphan cubs are fed with pulley systems and even experimental drones. After the long, carefully-managed process the cubs are reintroduced at selected sites across Romania.

*Leo monitoring the bear cubs from a distance*

We are proud to be supporting these incredible initiatives as species-focused conservation efforts work hand in hand with an ecosystem restoration approach. The reintroduction of megafauna, such as the bear and bison, can be inspiring emblems for a healthy ecosystem and our own wellbeing. It would be tragic to lose such hopeful symbols.

If you wish to support these causes directly you can donate here for the bison reintroduction and here for the bear orphanage.

James