I will detail this amazing story later, with more images and comments.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY [ :) yes, I mean "long story - short" ]: this species was saved from the brink of extinction by the coordinated effort of breeding the last 12 specimens alive, all captive: 7 cows and 4 bulls of Lowland Wisent (Bison bonasus bonasus), and 1 bull of Caucasian Wisent (Bison bonasus caucasicus) .
The eventual FREEDOM, semi-freedom or zoo captivity of the descendents was possible only thru CAPTIVITY, and selective breeding (yes, some in-breeding, too).
TBC (to be continued)
See, it might be a good idea to have a...Caucasian in your genealogic tree. :)
For comparison with the European bison: American bison (Bison bison).
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Please visit the Two 4 Tuesday meme: http://www.two4tuesday.com/home/two4tuesday/index.php/2011/01/18/captivity-freedom/
Captivity – Freedom
January 18, 2011
Very interesting. The fact that you have written this as an Executive Summary makes me think you are working too hard and need a vacation.
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