Steppe wisent, scientifically known as Bison bonasus bonasus, is a subspecies of the European bison that is primarily found in the steppe regions of Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Also known as the European wood bison or the Caucasian bison, it is one of two subspecies of bison in existence, the other being the lowland wisent.
The steppe wisent is a large, herbivorous mammal belonging to the Bovidae family. It bears a close resemblance to the American bison, but with some distinct characteristics. It has a robust, bulky body covered in dark brown or black hair, which gets thicker during the winter. Both males and females possess a pair of curved, sharp horns that they use for defense and establishing dominance.
As the name suggests, the steppe wisent inhabits the vast grasslands and open plains of the steppe biome. It is adapted to the harsh environmental conditions of these regions and can survive extreme temperature variations. Steppe wisents are primarily grazers, feeding on grasses, herbs, and other low-lying vegetation. They are known for their foraging abilities and can cover wide areas in search of food.
Due to habitat loss, poaching, and hunting for their valuable meat and hides, steppe wisents have faced a decline in their population. However, conservation efforts have been successful in recent years, resulting in their gradual increase and protection. They play an important role in maintaining the ecological balance of the grassland ecosystems they inhabit and are considered an iconic symbol of the steppe regions.
