Wisents at Kraansvlak

In the spring of 2007 the 200 ha sand dune area Kraansvlak, a closed-off area near the Kennemer Dunes, will become the territory of a group of wisents. Between 2007 and 2011 a pilot project with wisents put out into a Dutch natural area is being carried out, accompanied by scientific research. It is a cooperative project of PWN Waterleidingbedrijf Noord-Holland, Stichting Duinbehoud, ARK and Stichting Kritisch Bosbeheer.

The aim of the project is to acquire knowledge and experience with wisents in the Dutch situation, the food strategy (no supplementary feeding) and the effects of this animal species on the sand dune landscape, dune dynamics and dune vegetation. The herd will have the opportunity to develop naturally during the project, making a contribution to the preservation of this endangered species. The practical experience and knowledge gained may be used for a possible future reintroduction of this wild bovine species to other natural areas in the Netherlands or abroad.

Besides the interaction between wisent and landscape, also the co-existence with other grazers as well as human visitors will be studied. The project will begin with an acclimatization period, during which the animals can only be watched from a viewpoint or through the fencing. Later on, excursions into the area will be organized. The project will be evaluated after 5 years.