Challenges and opportunities for cross-jurisdictional bison conservation in North America

Restoring free-roaming mammals that fill critical ecological roles requires large connected landscapes that cross jurisdictional boundaries. Plains bison, once nearly extirpated from North America, are now confined to several larger free-roaming herds and a number of small fenced herds in regions where they are often managed as livestock rather than wildlife. Although bison reintroduction efforts are rapidly gaining momentum, restoring free-roaming bison remains challenged by real and perceived wildlife-human conflict. Thus, developing a shared vision for bison recovery, or at least understanding and acknowledging diverse visions, could be critical to success. To address this need, we surveyed experts from government, academia, and conservation organizations to evaluate if there is a shared long-term vision for bison, and to identify the most significant challenges, promising strategies, and research priorities for achieving this vision. We found that most respondents support a future with fenced herds as well as more free-roaming (unfenced) herds, and value bison as wildlife and cultural animals, rather than for livestock. Key challenges to achieving more free-roaming bison included political will, social acceptability, and management across jurisdictional boundaries. Respondents identified successful strategies for overcoming barriers as bottom-up collaborations, economic incentives, and demonstration projects. Research priorities were largely social rather than biophysical, with a strong focus on how to motivate broad public support for free-roaming herds. As an ecological and cultural keystone species, restoring large and connected bison herds where human-bison co-existence is feasible will reap rewards for nature and people.

Automated summary

Restoring free-roaming bison faces challenges of real and perceived wildlife-human conflicts, as well as political will, social acceptability, and management across jurisdictional boundaries. Most experts support a future with fenced and free-roaming herds, viewing bison as wildlife and cultural animals.