The wisent population in Dzūkija National Park is increasing, with the successful transfer of individuals from various regions and the birth of a new calf.
For the third consecutive year, visitors have flocked to the Stėgalių Wisent Reserve within Dzūkija National Park in Lithuania to witness the growing population of wisents. Between the years 2023 and 2026, a total of 46 wisents were relocated to this reserve, chosen from wild herds in the regions around Panevėžys, Kėdainiai, and Kaunas. As of now, 26 of these animals have been released into the forests of Dzūkija, marking a successful step in the revival of this iconic species in the region.
The initial transfers mainly involved young female wisents, with the strategic aim of forming herds with genetically diverse males to ensure the long-term survival and adaptability of the population in Dzūkija's unique forest ecosystem. This winter, the newly formed herd includes ten adult females caught in the Kaunas region, aged between 2 and 5 years, along with a newly born female calf, which came into the world within the fenced area on August 31, 2025. The plan is for all females and their calves to be released into the wild when they reach appropriate maturity, contributing to the stability and growth of the population.
Currently, the herd is being established with the introduction of a male from Germany, known as DUNST II. This careful management is being implemented to avoid inbreeding, which has been a prevalent issue within the Lithuanian wisent population. By fostering viable, genetically diverse herds over time, the initiative aims to strengthen the local biodiversity and ensure the wisent's long-term survival in their natural habitat, reflecting a broader commitment to conservation efforts in the region.
