|
|
Plains Bison
Photograph by
Joel Sartore
|
Symbol of the Great Plains’ majesty and might, buffalo numbering more than 50 million once roamed the grasslands. Their grazing and migration patterns left broad stretches of short-clipped sod for prairie dogs and other wildlife to colonize. Only small herds of the bearded beasts survive today, managed by private ranches, a handful of Indian reservations, and several national parks.
Click here for a bison multimedia show, courtesy Buffalo Field Campaign.
Video 1: RealPlayer Windows Media
Video 2: RealPlayer Windows Media
|
Scientific name:
Bison bison bison
Family:
Bovidae
Group/Class:
Mammal
Historic range:
open plains of the United States and Canada
Current status:
not endangered
|
|
Population to which status applies:
United States
Date first listed:
June 2, 1970
Current range:
Now found only in parks, reserves, and private herds
|
|
