Wisenta

The term "Wisenta" is an older, less common spelling of "Wisent," which refers to the European bison ( Bison bonasus). The European bison is a bovine native to Europe and the Caucasus. It is one of two extant species of bison, alongside the American bison.

Wisenten, like their American counterparts, are large, heavily built animals characterized by a thick coat of dark brown fur, a prominent hump on their shoulders, and short, curved horns. They are herbivores, primarily feeding on grasses, sedges, and leaves.

Historically, Wisenten inhabited much of Europe, but hunting and habitat loss led to their near extinction in the early 20th century. The population was reduced to only a few individuals held in zoos. Through careful breeding programs, the Wisent population has been slowly rebuilt and reintroduced into several protected areas across Europe.

The spelling "Wisenta" is encountered less frequently in modern scientific and conservation literature, with "Wisent" being the standard and preferred term. However, "Wisenta" may still appear in older texts or less formal contexts.