Derek Gow

A rare good-news story?of?how an ancient species?and?the?largest wild mammal in both Europe and North America-the bison-was almost eradicated and then brought back to life. Celebrated conservationist, Derek Gow tells how the?bison?was hunted almost to extinction in Europe through?the?two World Wars but also how they also became part?of?Goring's attempt to resurrect 'Germanic' species. The mantel then fell to the?Duke?of?Bedford, who fought to save?them at Woburn Abbey, and Derek was given unique access to?this historical archive.
We see how?the?bison?has been successfully reintroduced through Germany, Switzerland, Poland and recently Spain and Portugal.?The?story?of?the?bison?in North America is similarly one?of?almost-extinction, exploitation and reintroduction but?the?success?of?both species is still under threat. Nevertheless, this is a triumphant story?of?an iconic animal and crucial keystone species as well as international efforts to ensure it thrives.