THE ASSESSEMENT FOR SUITABILITY OF HABITATS FOR EUROPEAN BISON REINTRODUCTION IN THE VANATORI NEAMT NATURE PARK

Sebastian Cătănoiu

The Vanatori Neamt Nature Park Administration, National Forest Administration, Romania e-mail: catanoius@yahoo.com

Abstract

Based on previous studies (ICAS, the Zoological Society of London), in 2000, the Vanatori Neamt Nature Park (VNNP) was chosen as the place for the first reintroduction in freedom of the European bison, in the Romanian Carpathians (Deju, 2005). Even if the above mentioned studies reveal that VNNP, in general, is a suitable place for the reintroduction of the European bison and the future development of a free herd, the decision about the first releasing place inside VNNP requires a detailed analysis. Usually, the methodology to find the suitable habitats used GIS, high resolution satellite images and special softwares, involving high-skilled professionals’ support, time and financial resources. This kind of modelling is appropriate when large areas are studied and the quality of different options unclear. In cases where smaller areas are assessed and landscape and socioeconomic factors indicate few options, a more simple modeling for the location of suitable habitat is desired.

Keywords

suitable habitat population patch landcover