REPORT FROM VISITING POLAND
Fernando Moran - Veterinarian
This is a short report from my visit to Poland, from June 27th to July 4th. The main aim of my trip was learn about bison's breeding, visit some Polish breeding centers and reserves because I would like in the future establish a breeding center in North of Spain. For that purpose, I participated in five days course with a Hungarian researcher Mr. Akós Hájos, who also was very nice company even so he had some different points of view about bison's breeding center development.
I would like first of all thank all people who helped me to reach my traveling objectives; Mrs. Wanda Olech, Mrs. Magda Malkiewicz (who waited for delayed plane more than three entire hours), Mrs. Iza Bukowczyk, Mrs. Zuza Nowak, all from Warsaw and also Mrs. Katarzyna Daleszczyk from Białowieża and Mrs. Kasia Mierzwa from Smardzewice, all so helpful and patient answering hundred questions I had for all them.
In first day I had a brief project presentation in Warsaw University, where details were discussed, especially concerning the application of modern cattle reproduction technologies to bison breeding - not very useful as I discovered.
Next day - Friday June 29th - we started first trip to Biebrza Marsh with for several hours intensive canoeing along the Biebrza river, later moved to Bialowieza where we did see our first bison in Bialowieza Breeding Center (after three days in Poland I started to think that there is no Bison and only legend left) and Katarzyna answered to a 4 hour interrogation (sure she does still remember). Then, Sunday, back to Knyszynska Forest where we had the most hot moment - in 20 meters distance there were adult male, female, calf and two other males!!
That meeting, thanks to reserve ranger (don't remember name, so sorry) made me aware of bison strength and power and also of special care need to be taken when animals are presented to public.
Monday July 2nd Iza Bukowczyk drove me to Smardzewice where Kasia and Iza again helped me to know, especially about Bison feeding habitats and vegetable used for feeding. It was so interesting to discover how many food resources are the same as in Spain. Smardzewice complex was probably the most "professional" and breeding oriented Center we visited.
Last day, during seminar of European Bison Friends Society we discus the new "think out" project of future breeding center in Spain and possible ways to help in applying this ideas by Wanda and her team. Also I met a fabulous photographer (his name was Janusz) with very nice pictures of bison and also very generous. At that day I became a member of European Bison Friend Society.
In summary, I get lots of data, a very good approximation of Bison needs, biology, breeding, behavior and physiology even, some ways designed to help and fight for bison's conservation. And what was very important for me, I started to be sure and persuaded with my goal - make all to find new place for Bison development according to European Bison Conservation Action Plan, up to now not always followed in my country.
I can recommend anyone who is interested in bison's the meeting with European Bison Friends Society and if possible the trip to Poland, before making any decision with any kind of project related to Bison. It can be the best time for everybody.
Anyone who is interested in details or has questions about this travel please contact me.
Fernando Morán, Spain, September 6th, 2007
Avda. Buenos Aires 110 Bo 32.004 Ourense
0034609371477 Mobile
0034988240740 Telephon
0034988604429 Fax
csmcinegetica@cazaourense.com