The development of European bison herds founded by small group of animals was analyzed. Four variants of founding group with different numbers, age and sex structure were chosen. In computer simulation used only demographic parameters like reproduction and mortality rates. In period of 60 years some parameter like cumulative probability of extinction, the size of herd and the level of heterozygosity were compared. The size of founding group influenced mainly the level of genetic variability within the herd. Estimated value of cumulative probability of extinction in the worst scenario (only three young animals in the founding group) slightly exceeds 30% value. This allows conclude that European bison herds after serious founding bottleneck have great chance to survive.

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