GRAZING CAPACITY - A TOOL TO ESTABLISH POTENTIAL HABITATS FOR THE RELEASE OF THE EUROPEAN BISON IN “V N TORI NEAM ” NATURAL PARK

Beginning with 2003, the Administration of the “Van tori Neam ” Natural Park has initiated a program for the reintroduction in the wilderness of the European bison, which will establish a wild population. Although the European bison prefers forest habitats, the literature provides several examples in which the species uses grasslands. Our study aims to identify and analyse the grasslands of the natural park that would be sufficiently productive for supporting a wild European bison populations. Therefore, in the studied areas, we carried out a floristic study, using classical methods, a phytosociological analysis, according to the Central European School methodology, and a pastoral value assessment, irrespective of land use practices.