Widespread habitat for Europe's largest herbivores, but poor connectivity limits recolonization

Abstract

Several large-mammal species in Europe have recovered and recolonized parts of their historical ranges. Knowing where suitable habitat exists, and thus where range expansions are possible, is important for proactively promoting coexistence between people and large mammals in shared landscapes.

We aimed to assess the opportunities and limitations for range expansions of Europe's two largest herbivores, the European bison (Bison bonasus) and moose (Alces alces).

Keywords

• Alces alces
• Bison bonasus
• ecological restoration
• megafauna
• niche modeling
• potential habitat
• range expansion
• rewilding
• wildlife crossings