In 2012, the European Bison was chosen as the iconic species for conservation in Azerbaijan, important for ecological connectivity and eco-tourism development in the Greater Caucasus. In order to assess the feasibility for Bison reintroduction into Azerbaijan, field visits were organized by WWF Azerbaijan to 11 potential sites in the Caucasus Mountains in Azerbaijan, as well as 2 potential sites in the steppe regions in 2012. From the 5 major potential sites, Zagatala NR scored highest, closely followed by Ismayilli.

The Ismayilli site in Shahdag NP was selected because of its suitable habitats to provide enough space for a viable population, its status as a protected area and the availability of motivated staff to monitor and protect the European Bison.

After the selection of the reintroduction site in close proximity to Buynuz village (one of the main entrances to the NP), a reintroduction centre has been established and staff trained and equipped. Following the international standards (such as IUCN guidelines and recommendations) for reintroduction, animals have been selected only from the Lowland Caucasian breeding line (LC- line), the line most closely related to the historic population from the region.

The goal of the project is to build a viable population of free-living European Bison on the south slopes of the Eastern Greater Caucasus zone in Azerbaijan.

The reintroduction of this large herbivore will assure natural dynamics in the ecosystems of which many plant and animal species will benefit, both directly and indirectly. This beautiful and iconic species will raise awareness of nature protection with the wider public and will create new opportunities for ecotourism and sustainable socio-economic development in the region.