“We call for a halt to plans for killing bison, especially for commercial purposes,” a statement by Greenpeace Poland director Robert Cyglicki proclaims.”The bison is not only a great and rare animal, but also a symbol of Poland’s nature, protected by Poland and the EU.” Well he would say that wouldn’t he? But he shouldn’t. Here’s why [via dw.com]. . .
Poland’s environmental authorities have granted permission for hunting 10 bison in the Borki Primeval Forest. They argue that the herd there is too large and threatened by tuberculosis.
In 2016, 15 calves were born, bringing the total number of animals in the area to 111 – but the government wants to maintain a population of 95 by eliminating weaker animals . . .
There is a commercial aspect to the government’s plans as well: Revenue from the sale of hunting permits is supposed to pay for supplemental winter fodder and care of the herds.
So hunting 16 European bison (a.k.a., the wisent or the European wood bison) would make the herd stronger and pay for their upkeep. So why not? Because hunting. Sigh.
