Birth of the first wisent calf in the Solothurn Jura

First wisent calf in the Solothurn Jura

In the night of 4 July, the first wisent calf was born in the enclosure at Sollmatt, Welschenrohr.

The youngest of the three cows, now four years old, gave birth. The calf is a female.

Wisents are fundamentally very shy and gentle animals. However, if provoked or prevented from protecting their young, they can become dangerous, as can other cattle. It is therefore important to maintain a large distance of more than 50 m from the wisents and in particular from the calf. This also gives the wisent herd and the calf the peace and quiet they need. Dogs may only be brought into the enclosure on a short lead and at a respectful distance. Compliance with the rules of conduct (see box) is especially important at this time!

Wisent test herd in the Jura

Due to the expansiveness of the enclosure and the high proportion of woodland, it is increasingly difficult to locate and observe the animals on your own. We therefore recommend taking part in guided tours. These tours are led by wisent ranger Benjamin Brunner and trained wisent guides, and can be booked through Naturpark Thal (www.naturparkthal.ch/wisent).

Since 3 November, wisents have been living at Sollmatt in Welschenrohr in a 50-hectare enclosure that is freely accessible. The animals now consist of a four-year-old bull, three cows aged between four and six years, one calf from last year and now one calf from this year. The enclosure comprises around 37 hectares of woodland and 13 hectares of meadows and pastures.

The aim of the project is to use a test herd of European bison in an area of approximately 100 hectares to investigate whether the European bison, which was exterminated in the Middle Ages, is viable today as a wild animal in the Jura. The enclosure trial lasts five years. The test site belongs to the civic community of Solothurn and farmer and bison ranger Benjamin Brunner, and is fenced off for the duration of the trial. It will continue to be used for agricultural and forestry purposes during the project period, and public access will not be restricted. More on the topic Species protection and Biodiversity.

Rules of conduct in the European bison enclosure
– Stay on the paths.
– Keep dogs on a lead (except in dangerous situations).
– If you encounter European bison, remain calm and treat the animals with respect:
– Keep a distance of at least 50 m from the bison.
– Let the animals go their way and give them enough space.
– Do not crowd the animals or run after them.
– Turn back immediately if bison are heading in your direction.
– Keep a wide distance from the calves – bison cows protect their young.
– Increase the distance between yourself and the bison if a bison
– stares at you and shakes its head
– stares at you and paws the ground with its hooves, or lowers its head and moves in your direction.
– Increase the distance calmly and slowly, and do not turn your back on the bison.
– Feeding the bison is not permitted.

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