Konik polski horses as a mean of biodiversity maintenance in post-agricultural and forest areas: an overview of Polish experiences

Traditional agricultural measures are still necessary for maintenance of endangered endogenous species of plants and animals in ecologically valuable habitats. Poland is one of the countries of the highest biodiversity of agricultural lands in Europe, however, the intensification of agriculture and farming resulted with regular decrease of valuable wildlife species. Abandonment of agricultural use of traditionally pastoral areas induced the encroachment of species that reduce local biodiversity.To counteract this undesirable process, several organisations re-introduce Konik polski horses into wastelands. The aim of this overview is to share the experiences of institutions which used Konik polski horses as a mean for biodiversity restoration in post-agricultural and forest areas, including expected effects, their implementation and main problems encountered. The aims, positive and negative effects are presented and discussed.