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Endangered European bison in wartime, 1915
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Endangered European bison in wartime, 1915
One unforeseen casualty of the war were rare European bison, Bos bonasus, also known as Wisent or Zubre. These were hunted to extinction in the wild by Germans occupying Poland, the last bastion of the bison in Europe. Previously under protection of the Tsar, these endangered forest-dwelling creatures were killed by German soldiers for food and for sport during 1915. Standing at over six feet in height at the withers, these prehistoric beasts were larger than their descendants the American bison(also known as buffalo)with longer horns, and a yak-like abundance of hair at the head, neck and forelimbs. The bison pictured here is a tweleve year old.
1915
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Media ID 14387701
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Bison Bisons Bonasus Endangered
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This poignant photograph captures the tragic fate of an endangered European bison, or Wisent, during the chaotic and destructive period of World War I in 1915. The European bison, a prehistoric beast native to Europe, was once abundant in the forests of Poland, the last stronghold of its existence. However, the onset of war brought unforeseen consequences for these rare creatures. Previously protected under the Tsar's rule, the European bison became hunted to extinction in the wild by German occupying forces. Soldiers, driven by hunger and the thrill of the hunt, killed these magnificent animals for food and sport. The bison in the image is a twelve-year-old male, standing at over six feet in height at the withers. He is larger than his American bison counterparts, with longer horns and a yak-like abundance of hair at the head, neck, and forelimbs. The European bison, a relic of the past, was no match for the devastating impact of war. The loss of these animals marked a significant blow to Europe's natural heritage. The photograph serves as a stark reminder of the unintended consequences of conflict and the importance of conservation efforts to protect endangered species.
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