Żubrowisko Nature Reserve

The Żubrowisko Nature Reserve is a faunal reserve in the Pszczyna Forest, not far from the village of Jankowice. It lies in the municipality of Pszczyna, and a small fragment reaches the municipality of Bojszowy. It was established by an order of the Minister of Environmental Protection, Natural Resources and Forestry of 31 October 1996.

What the reserve protects

The object of protection is the local population of European bison, numbering about 30 animals. The reserve covers 744.77 ha (the founding act gave 742.56 ha). It is the only faunal reserve in the Silesian Voivodeship and the largest reserve in the voivodeship.

Can you enter the area

The area of the reserve is closed and fenced, so you do not see the bison here on a free walk. On its edge an Ecological Education Centre, “Pszczyna Bison”, has been set up, open to tourists and scientists. Supervision of the reserve is exercised by the Regional Nature Conservator in Katowice, and the area comes under the Kobiór Forest District. The reserve has no protection plan, but short-term protection tasks apply and it is under active protection.

Practical information

• Location: the Pszczyna Forest, near Jankowice, Pszczyna municipality.
• Check the hours and rules for visiting the education centre with its operator, because the sources do not give these details.
• In Pszczyna there is also the Bison Show Reserve, and in the town stands Pszczyna Castle.