Shahdagh, Azerbaijan — June 3, 2026 — For the first time in nearly a century, Caucasian bison are roaming the forests of the Caucasus Mountains. Once hunted to extinction in 1927, these great herbivores are being reintroduced through a national rewilding programme led by the Azerbaijan Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, WWF Azerbaijan, and the International Dialogue for Environmental Action.
Around 90 bison, bred from hybrids of European lowland and Caucasian varieties, now inhabit Shahdagh National Park, with several pregnant females signaling a growing population. Since their release, more than 25 calves have been born, and the programme aims to expand the herd to 500 individuals within 25 years, ensuring a sustainable population.
The reintroduction is part of Azerbaijan’s broader effort to restore ecosystems and strengthen resilience against climate change, which has increased risks of wildfires, landslides, and drought. Large herbivores like bison act as “ecosystem engineers”, dispersing seeds, enriching soil, and shaping vegetation patterns that support biodiversity. Their presence helps stabilize grasslands, providing food, water, and tourism income for local communities.
The programme also includes the revival of other species such as the goitered gazelle, whose numbers have risen from fewer than 200 in 1960 to around 7,000 today in Shirvan National Park. This recovery has supported the return of endangered carnivores like lynx, hyenas, and wolves, restoring balance to the food chain.
Environmental leaders see Azerbaijan’s rewilding projects as a model for the region. “We now have a historic opportunity to restore our species,” said Elshad Askerov of WWF Azerbaijan, noting that neighboring countries are already showing interest in replicating the initiative.
By reintroducing native species and restoring ecosystems, Azerbaijan is not only reviving its natural heritage but also building resilience against climate shocks, ensuring that communities and wildlife can thrive together in a changing world.
