Both Aurochs and European bisons were endangered or nearly extinct in the 15th and 16th century, but Polish kings took measures to protect them which saved the bisons from extinction. What was their reason for what's actually pre-modern conservation programs?

by arrogantwerpen
toutlefap

There’s always more to be said but /u/iwanttosaysmth did a writeup on Aurochs a while back that touches on your question:

https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/cbh2be/in_1627_the_last_aurochs_or_wild_cow_died_in_the/