Study published in the Journal of Heredity
For many years, Yellowstone has been the only continuously resident bison group as a form of wildlife in the United States. In the past, there has always been the idea that there were two distinct herds in this national park, but a study published in the Journal of Heredity refutes this idea.
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A group of scientists claims that it is simply “a single large mixed population derived from multiple historical bison herds”. This is because these experts have found behavioral changes in the reproductive behavior of all Yellowstone bison
Dr. James Derr, professor in the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology (VTPB), is clear that the outcome of this research could be a turning point in the lives of Yellowstone bison. “This finding certainly has a direct impact on the conservation and long-term management of this iconic bison population,” he told the journal.
After having suffered a severe population crisis, the conservation efforts of experts have paid off. It is currently estimated that there are around 31,000 bison distributed in 68 herds in North America. Specifically in Yellowstone, the figure is reduced to about 5,000 specimens.
In the 19th century, the number of bison was reduced to 300 individuals and their species was really in danger. With this research, the situation may continue to improve for this species. “There has long been debate among conservationists about the best way to manage the genetic diversity of Yellowstone bison. Well, the current Yellowstone bison are clearly a mixed herd,” says Derr.
