Bison Recovery: From Near Extinction to Thriving Population
Historical estimates suggest that the Great Plains once boasted a bison population of 30 to 60 million. However, by 1890, that number had plummeted to roughly 1,000. Today, more than 400,000 bison thrive in public and private herds across North America, thanks in part to ranchers, showmen, and entrepreneurs who found ways to sustain the species.
The Role of Ranchers and Conservationists
Author Jane Little Botkin identifies a critical period from 1870 to 1880, during which approximately 32 million bison were lost. By 1880, only 300 to 500 bison remained in the U.S. A survey conducted in 1889 revealed just 285 bison on federal lands and 256 in private herds, totaling only 1,091 across the U.S. and Canada.
Botkin’s upcoming book, The Breath of a Buffalo: The Life of Mary Ann Goodnight, highlights how Mary “Molly” Goodnight played a pivotal role in that survival. While her husband, Charles Goodnight, has been credited for bison conservation, Botkin argues that Molly’s efforts were more significant. Disturbed by the cries of orphaned calves, she persuaded cowboys not to shoot them and instead nursed them on longhorn cows. Her financial incentives inspired a network of ranchers that proved vital for bison survival.
The Impact of Buffalo Bill
Buffalo Bill Cody might appear an unlikely advocate for bison, given his history of killing thousands to feed railroad workers. However, his famous Wild West Show helped rekindle public interest in bison. Though Cody doubted their recovery, he recognized their potential to draw crowds and even included bison in performances for significant events, such as Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee.
Commercial Conservation
Ranchers across the West began to see bison as a viable commodity, with several low-cost initiatives bolstering their numbers. Public preservation efforts gained momentum in 1905 under President Theodore Roosevelt, leading to the establishment of the American Bison Society and the National Bison Range.
As time progressed, figures like Ted Turner revolutionized the bison market. He started buying bison in 1976 and founded Ted’s Montana Grill to popularize bison meat. By the early 2000s, bison numbers jumped significantly due to increased market demand driven by health-conscious consumers.
The Current Landscape
Today, more than 400,000 bison exist thanks to the combination of financial incentives and public awareness focused on conservation through commerce. Economic viability has proven essential to the survival of the species, fostering a symbiotic relationship between ranchers and conservationists.
Continued efforts from individuals and families, like the Flocchini family of the Durham Ranch, have further solidified bison as a profitable enterprise while contributing to their preservation.
Conclusion: The Great Plains, once home to millions of bison, saw near extinction due to hunting practices. Today, successful recovery efforts—driven by ranchers, conservationists, and changing market dynamics—have led to a thriving bison population that continues to wander across the western landscapes, standing as a testament to the power of combined commercial and conservation efforts.
