Artificial Waterholes for European Bison as Biodiversity Hotspots in Forest Ecosystems: Ecological Effects of Species Reintroduction Activities

Despite the growing population of European bison (Bison bonasus), it is necessary to plan reintroduction these animals new areas. Reintroduction often requires improvement natural conditions. Such preparatory activities allow more easily adapt places, but also impact functioning from other taxa. The aim presented study was examine waterholes for on development local populations amphibians and dragonflies (Odonata), as well creation feeding grounds bats. We examined 15 reservoirs in Augustów Forest District located northeastern Poland, which five were built 2013–2014, four semi-natural transformed into 2018, six reservoirs. Dragonflies studied 2021–2022; 2018 2020; bats 2019, 2020. In total, 24 species 10 amphibians, 13 found. results inventory three taxonomic groups using different comparative variants indicate a significant construction biodiversity forest ecosystem. concluded that present better resistance drying out than addition, warm up quickly, supporting conditions amphibians. surface their exposed surroundings are favorable insects (including dragonflies), source food bats, becoming attractive them.