European Bison Reintroduction, Romania

European Bison Reintroduction in the Southern Carpathians has restored over 200 bison since 2013, creating Europe's largest rewilding area spanning 60,000 hectares. A 2022 population survey documented a 40% increase in bison numbers, yet local shepherds clash with conservationists over grazing competition, with estimated economic losses of €50,000 annually from reduced pasture access. This conflict is sharper than the average rewilding project in terms of immediate livelihood impact, though it lags behind Yellowstone Wolf Reintroduction in public visibility. The project's data-driven monitoring shows that bison have actually enhanced soil carbon storage by 12%, offering a counterpoint to agricultural grievances.