Zimbru (The Wisent) - Hateg County Reserve

The wisent (pronounced /ˈviːzənt/) (Bison bonasus), also known as the

Żubr or European bison, is a species of Eurasian bison. It is the

heaviest surviving land animal in Europe; a typical wisent is about 3

m (10 ft) long and 1.8 to 2.2 m (6 to 7 ft) tall, and weighs 300 to

920 kg (660 to 2,000 lb). It is typically lighter than the related

American bison (Bison bison), and has shorter hair on the neck, head,

and forequarters, but longer tail and horns. Wisent are now

forest-dwelling. They have few predators (besides humans) with only

scattered reports from the 1800s of wolf and bear predation. Wisent

were first scientifically described by Carolus Linnaeus in 1758. Some

later descriptions treat the wisent as conspecific with the American

bison. It is not to be confused with the aurochs, the extinct ancestor

of domestic cattle.

In 1996 the IUCN classified the wisent as an endangered species. In

the past it was commonly killed to produce hides and drinking horns,

especially during the Middle Ages.

Thank you for comments and ratings.

Excellent information, I did not know. Nature is an asset that we must take care, thanks for sharing information and image. Congratulations. Best wishes. Vicente.