Wildlife

Bison Conservation and Welfare on Native Lands

Plains bison were nearly eliminated but are recovering through conservation programs. Managing herds on tribal and public lands involves balancing welfare, ecology, and cultural values.

Key Facts

The American bison population fell from an estimated 30-60 million to under 1,000 by the late 19th century
Over 500,000 bison now exist in North America, primarily in commercial and conservation herds
Tribal bison restoration programs are reestablishing herds on Indigenous lands across the Great Plains
Bison are highly social herd animals that require sufficient space and group size for good welfare

Welfare Considerations

Bison conservation welfare involves both individual animal care and ecosystem restoration. Bison in small enclosures without herd complexity show stress behaviors. Restoration programs that allow large herd sizes on adequate grazing lands best serve both welfare and ecological function. Tribal-led restoration often integrates cultural practices that reflect long-term sustainable relationships with bison.

What You Can Do

Support tribal bison restoration programs financially and politically
Advocate for expansion of public and tribal lands available for conservation bison herds
Choose bison products from conservation herds managed with welfare standards
Learn about the history and cultural significance of bison to Indigenous peoples of the Great Plains