The latest bison census in the Polish part of the Białowieża Forest has recorded the presence of 1,176 individuals, the highest result in the history of monitoring this species. This year's count confirms the excellent condition of the population and the effectiveness of long-term conservation programs. The increase of over 300 individuals compared to last year is due to both natural growth and specific winter conditions, which facilitated the precise counting of the herd gathered at feeding stations.
Historic Population Record
1,176 bison were counted in the Białowieża Forest, the highest number since the species' restitution program began.
High Natural Growth
As many as 122 young calves were observed in the herd, indicating the population's very good health condition.
Favorable Counting Conditions
A snowy winter and frost facilitated the census by encouraging animals to gather at permanent feeding points.
The recently completed winter bison census in the Polish part of the Białowieża Forest has yielded a historic, record-breaking result. Staff from the Białowieża National Park together with foresters counted 1,176 individuals living in the wild. This is a significant jump compared to data from early 2025, when only about 870 animals were counted. However, naturalists note that such a large increase is not solely due to a rapid natural growth rate, but primarily to favorable weather conditions. A thick snow cover and frost prompted almost all bison groups to approach feeding racks, minimizing the risk of missing animals staying deep in the forest terrain. The Białowieża Forest played a key role in saving the species from total extinction. After the last representative of the lowland line in the wild was killed in the forest in 1919, the population was restored thanks to just a few individuals from zoos and private breeding programs, with the first animals returning to the wild in 1952. Analysis of the herd structure showed favorable population development: among the counted animals, 122 calves from this year were identified. Monitoring the reproductive process is crucial for maintaining the dynamic balance of the ecosystem. Scientists emphasize that such a large herd presents a logistical challenge. It involves the necessity of delivering huge amounts of hay to feeding racks and monitoring potential groups that might migrate to agricultural areas outside the forest. 1176 — bison currently live in the Polish part of the Forest Systematic censuses are conducted every year at the turn of January and February. They utilize the method of direct observation at feeding points and analysis of tracks, which allows for distinguishing the age and sex of individual animals. Currently, the Polish part of the Białowieża Forest hosts the largest free-living population of lowland bison in the world, making this region the most important link in the global system of protection for this species. Dynamics of Bison Population Growth in the Białowieża Forest: 2024: 870, 2025: 1100, 2026: 1176 The success of the Białowieża foresters and scientists is proof that strict protection combined with active population management yields tangible results. However, naturalists emphasize that achieving such high numbers will require seeking new areas for migrating groups in the future to avoid excessive pressure on local forest stands.