Persistence and Serendipity: The Ecological Recovery of North American Bison Populations

North American bison, once dominant herbivores shaping grassland and forest ecosystems from Alaska to Mexico, faced near-extirpation by the early 20th century. However, recent decades have seen remarkable ecological recovery in several locations, including Wood Buffalo National Park, driven by collaborative efforts among private individuals, NGOs, government agencies, and Indigenous peoples. The study highlights successful re-establishment of wild, free-ranging bison populations in Canada, the US, and Mexico, with plans to expand restoration on tribal lands within the next decade. The 2014 Buffalo Treaty, a key milestone, has further propelled these efforts, emphasizing shared stewardship and transboundary conservation. Despite challenges, such as the erasure of bison from public consciousness, this recovery underscores the potential for large-scale wildlife conservation when diverse stakeholders align on long-term goals.

Shury, T. K. (2022). 175 Persistence and Serendipity: The Ecological Recovery of North American Bison Populations. Journal of Animal Science, 100(Supplement_3), 79–80. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skac247.156