Livestock Grazing and the Decline of the American Buffalo

[Judi Lynn]

SEPTEMBER 7, 2020

by GEORGE WUERTHNER



Bison Theodore Roosevelt NP, ND. Photo: George Wuerthner.

Due to gross similarities in size, food preference, and appearance, it is often asserted that bison and domestic cattle are ecological analogs. However, a review of their evolutionary history demonstrates that they have significant differences in evolutionary pressures that manifest themselves in strikingly different modes of resource exploitation.

Compared to domestic cattle, bison wander more, are less apt to regraze a site during a single growing season, will use steeper terrain, select and consume drier, rougher forage, and spend less time in riparian areas and wetlands (Kohl et al. 2013) Bison are considered “ecosystem engineers” by creating and responding to heterogeneity across the landscape (White el. Al. 2015).

In addition, bison were unable to colonize vast portions of the West due to a variety of factors. Evidence suggests these major rangeland ecosystems evolved in the virtual absence of large herding animals. The introduction of domestic livestock into these areas has had particularly negative impacts upon these landscapes.

This paper will discuss the differences in habitat utilization, and behavior between cattle and bison, the decline of bison as an ecological influence, and the implications for management of western rangelands and preservation of native biodiversity.

More:
https://www.counterpunch.org/2020/09/07/livestock-grazing-and-the-decline-of-the-american-buffalo/

[2naSalit]

1. Long but worth reading...

As it tells the truth about the ecosystem of the western US and the devastation of the livestock industry in the west. Mr. Wuerthener is a long time acquaintance and a lifelong advocate/activist for the biosphere.