Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Bovidae
- Genus
- Bison
Habitat
Traditionally an inhabitant of grass prairies, but bison were also found in open forests and mountainous areas.
Diet
Bison feed almost exclusively on grasses and drink water regularly.
Behavior
European bison live in matriarchal herds led by females, with adult males often solitary or in small groups. They are primarily diurnal, spending their days grazing and resting in open areas, and exhibit territorial behavior especially during the mating season. These animals communicate through vocalizations and body language, and they frequently wallow in mud to regulate body temperature and deter insects.
Conservation Status
The European bison is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, with populations slowly increasing due to reintroduction efforts in various European countries. Major threats include habitat loss from human development and occasional poaching.