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Parks Canada - Teachers' Corner - Home on the PlainsHome on the Plains: The Re-introduction of Plains Bison in Canada’s Western National ParksPrintable Version (28 pages) PDF 477Kb RTF 37Mb Overview of the Lesson Plan This lesson focuses on the re-introduction of plains bison in Canada’s Western National Parks. Through group discussion and debate, students are asked to compare and contrast the diverse plains bison re-introduction programs in Prince Albert, Riding Mountain, Elk Island and Grasslands National Parks. Plains bison are a unique species that have been re-introduced to Canada’s National Parks after they were nearly driven to extinction. This lesson is designed to encourage class discussion about several issues associated with the management of plains bison in Canada’s Western National Parks. Grade level(s) and subjects(s)
List of the province/territory and the related curriculum expectations/ competencies/outcomes.
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Teacher Background Teachers should review the documents Plains Bison and Parks Canada and Plains Bison in Prince Albert, Riding Mountain, Elk Island and Grasslands National Parks. Additional information on plains bison is available on the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) website. http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/status/showDocument_e.cfm?id=421 Procedure This activity may be broken down into 3-4 class periods: Lesson #1
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Millions of plains bison once roamed the North American landscape. By the late 1800s very few animals remained. Today, their numbers are on the rise. In Canada there are over 1000 wild or semi-wild bison. This is a great conservation success story that was made possible, in part, by Parks Canada. Plains bison (Bison bison bison) are one of two sub-species that are found in North America. Their historic range in Canada covered an area from the Rocky Mountains down through southern Manitoba, and from mid-Alberta and Saskatchewan south to the American border (Original Distribution of Plains Bison in North America). They inhabited a variety of ecosystems, including grasslands, shrublands, montane meadows, and wooded areas. Plains bison were nearly driven to extinction following European settlement. In 1888 there were only eight animals in Canada and 85 in North America. Michel Pablo and Charles Allard, two ranchers in Montana, rounded up a sizeable herd. In 1907, the Canadian government purchased approximately 410 bison from Pablo and Allard. These animals were temporarily kept at Elk Island National Park. All but 50 of these bison were moved to Buffalo National Park (near Wainwright, AB). The animals that remained in Elk Island National Park became the founding herd for all Canadian plains bison conservation herds. The herd in Buffalo National Park grew considerably in size. In 1924, it was discovered that 75% of the population was infected with tuberculosis. To avoid a massive slaughter, 6673 young animals (thought not to be infected) were shipped to Wood Buffalo National Park. However, by 1939, the bison remaining in Buffalo National Park were destroyed because of the prevalence of tuberculosis in the Park, and that Park was eventually closed. Today, plains bison are listed as threatened by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). According to COSEWIC, in 2004 there were 700 wild and 250 semi-wild plains bison in Canada. In 2005, an additional 71 semi-wild bison were re-introduced to Grasslands National Park. The greatest threats to wild or semi-wild plains bison populations are lack of natural habitat (due to urbanization and agriculture), livestock disease, and wild bison cross-breeding with domestic bison that may have some cattle genes. Parks Canada is working hard to protect plains bison. These magnificent creatures are protected in several National Parks across Western Canada including: Riding Mountain, Prince Albert, Grasslands, and Elk Island. The plains bison herds in Canada’s National Parks are managed in various situations. These include wild, semi-wild and captive. Wild bison are pure plains bison not enclosed by fences; for example, the bison herd in Prince Albert National Park. Semi-wild bison are fenced but move relatively freely within a fairly large area. They may not be subject to their natural predator. Some semi-wild bison are handled on a regular basis. The herds in Elk Island National Park and Grasslands National Park are semi-wild. Captive bison are fenced within a relatively small area (a few square kilometres). An example of a captive herd is the one in Riding Mountain National Park. The re-introduction and protection of plains bison is consistent with Parks Canada’s mandate to maintain or restore ecological integrity as a first priority. Some National Parks are home to wild or semi-wild plains bison herds. This is restoring a long-missing species that once was part of the ecosystem. The ecological integrity of these parks has improved as a result.
Plains Bison in Prince Albert National Park Whoops!! Prince Albert National Park has got itself a bison herd! The re-introduction of plains bison to Prince Albert National Park was purely accidental! Park staff never intended to establish bison in the park. In 1969, approximately 50 bison from Elk Island National Park were released, north of Prince Albert National Park, by the Saskatchewan government in order to provide an additional meat source for the First Nations people. The bison did not remain in the area. Ten to twenty-two of these animals moved southwards into Prince Albert National Park and formed the nucleus of today’s population. Oh, so significant!
This population is significant for several reasons. It is the only
population of wild plains bison within its own historic range in Canada.
Prince Albert National Park is one of only a few Parks in North America where
plains bison exist within an intact ecosystem. Bison are once again a
dominant herbivoire in the southwest portion of the park. They have a
significant impact on the ecosystem by feeding (grazing), leaving
dung, and
making wallows and trails. Their activities help to maintain the sedge
meadows and increase habitat and food sources for other species. The
bison in Prince Albert National Park originate from the most genetically
diverse source population, with no genetic evidence of hybridization with
cattle.
There are approximately 400 (2006) plains bison in Prince Albert National Park. The population has increased steadily, at 10-13% per year. Annual aerial population surveys determine herd numbers. Death and reproduction in the herd occur naturally. Natural selection processes are allowed to occur because bison are not actively managed within the Park. The herd is not routinely vaccinated. Disease has not been a major issue in Prince Albert National Park. Bison are handled only for telemetry collaring, where they are immobilized and samples are taken to determine their health and genetic status. Collaring in Prince Albert National Park is done for research purposes only. Living the good life The wild bison in Prince Albert National Park make natural choices. Currently (2006), the herd’s range is approximately 700 km2 within the park and 50 km2 outside park boundaries. Bison move freely both inside and outside the Park, although some farm fences restrict their movement. This freedom allows them to react freely to changes in the environment. For example, bison can move to a new area during drought or when over-grazing occurs. Recently, the bison expanded their winter range northward, utilizing other suitable habitats. This behaviour can only be observed in wild herds, where they have options to move or relocate in response to environmental conditions. Wolves, farmers and ranchers… oh my! The bison in Prince Albert National Park are once again part of the ecosystem and therefore encounter many challenges. They are subject to natural predators such as the grey wolf. In the past, wolves would occasionally prey on bison. However, wolves are now beginning to prey on bison more consistently and have also established a den within prime bison habitat. This may result in the bison becoming a regular prey source for wolves. Both wolves and bison benefit from this arrangement: bison are food for wolves and wolves keep the bison herd fit, often preying on the weak and diseased. After more than a hundred years, this predator/prey relationship, which exists in very few places in the world, is being re-established.
The bisons’ current range is not limited to the Park. They frequently cross the Park boundaries and occasionally damage fences and crops, as well as disturb livestock on nearby farmlands. In these situations, there is also a risk of breeding with captive bison that may have cattle genes or diseases. These negative impacts are becoming more frequent as the population grows. Strategies are being developed and implemented to reduce these conflicts. These impacts create tension between the park and their neighbours (local farmers and ranchers). These issues with local landowners are a significant ecological and societal challenge that must be resolved in the management of the bison in Prince Albert National Park. To date, the only methods used to restrict bison movement have been a cattle gate, on a human-made bridge, and Park staff assisting landowners and Saskatchewan Environment in chasing unwanted bison off their land. The cattle gate was originally quite successful in restricting movement. However, bison have recently found alternative ways to cross the river. There is currently no hunting season for bison; however, First Nations people can hunt them legally, with permission, on private land and on unoccupied Crown land. It is important to note that, because the bison live both inside and outside Prince Albert National Park, the herd is referred to as the Sturgeon River Regional Plains bison herd.
To Be or Not To Be ….Wild? Remembering our history, protecting our future
Riding Mountain National Park (RMNP) has a special area called the Lake Audy Bison Enclosure, which holds a captive herd of approximately 30 plains bison. National Parks are representative of our nation’s natural beginnings, from geological features to different ecosystems. Rare and unique creatures are found within their boundaries. The plains bison were absent for some time, but can now be seen on their native prairie once again. Their re-introduction is just one step in restoring and protecting the prairie ecosystem. Why is Riding Mountain special? Riding Mountain National Park (RMNP) rises dramatically from the prairie landscape, forming part of the Manitoba Escarpment. The park includes expanses of boreal forest, eastern deciduous forest, meadows of rough fescue grasslands, and significant areas of marsh and river-bottom wetland. This diversity supports many different plants and animals. RMNP is therefore a favourite place for Canadians to experience nature and view wildlife. How the Lake Audy herd came to be Imagine dark brown specks covering the land for as far as the eye can see, their stampeding hooves making the earth shake and the air thunder. In only a few years, this landscape was transformed; the multitude of bison that had roamed the plains disappeared. All that remained of their presence were carcasses and bones. This was the fate of the plains bison in Manitoba. Bison reintroduction was possible because of conservation methods put to work in the early 1900s. A group of 20 animals from Wainwright, Alberta, was re-introduced here at Lake Audy in 1931 as a display herd to offer the public the opportunity to view this native creature. Today, a drive over the cattle guards and into the enclosure gives visitors the chance to view bison up close. A display depicting the life cycle and history of bison was also built within the enclosure.
The Lake Audy plain was chosen because of its healthy prairie ecosystem and because old bison bones and markings were found in the area, indicating that this was part of their historic range before their extirpation. Unfortunately, disaster struck this first reintroduced herd. Over the course of a few years, tuberculosis infected the herd and it had to be destroyed. It was replaced with 10 plains bison from Elk Island National Park. The bison that roam the enclosure today are descendants of that small group from Elk Island. The Enclosure The bison herd roams a 500 hectare enclosure, which is divided into two sections (winter and summer pastures). The bison are free to roam the enclosure in search of food, water and shelter. A healthy herd is maintained through a Park management program. In mid-summer, the bison are permitted to migrate to the south enclosure. In the fall, the herd (except for mature breeding bulls) is moved to the north enclosure. This separation ensures that calving occurs only once a year and that the herd has ample forage for both seasons. Bison play a significant role in the natural processes within the rough fescue prairie ecosystem in RMNP. Ensuring their protection and the protection of the rough fescue prairie goes hand in hand. Handling of the Bison
In the fall, when the bison are transferred from the south enclosure to the north enclosure, the bison are lured into a handling facility by bait. Once the herd has moved into this structure they are corralled and tested for common diseases and general health. The capture pen is used year round by the bison as the mineral-lick location; this way, luring them to the capture pen is not unsettling. Since the reoccurrence of Bovine Tuberculosis in the area (1991), the bison are tested every three years. This handling period also allows Parks to mix the gene pool by removing and replacing bulls. Every few years, when the herd exceeds 40 animals, surplus animals are sold. The enclosed prairie area has been estimated to support a healthy bison herd of around 35-40 animals without doing damage to the grasslands. Removing surplus animals is necessary because the herds’ range is limited by the enclosure. The habitat within can feed only so many animals, and natural predation that would control populations, does not occur. What about us? There’s a fence in our way! Many other animals utilize the Lake Audy prairie. Because the fence is not a natural part of the ecosystem, RMNP tries to limit the disturbance that the fence adds to the usual movement of wild animals. “Jumps” (areas where the fence has been pulled down) and “holes” (areas where the fence has been pulled up) have been positioned in multiple places along the fence. Ungulate species such as elk and deer use these areas to access the enclosure for food and shelter. Other mammals, such as bears, coyotes, and foxes, use the holes in the fence to come in and out of the enclosure for the same reasons.
What about wolves? A healthy population of wolves is present in RMNP. Historically, they are a known predator of bison. In a completely natural setting, wolves help maintain bison herds by killing weak, sick, and old animals, as well as some of the young. This natural selection process ensures that the strong bison will survive and reproduce. Why are the wolves not preying on bison in the enclosure? Wolves are cautious of human structures. The wolves in the Lake Audy area are wary of the fence and rarely venture far into the enclosure. As of yet, they have never preyed on the bison; therefore, there is a break in the natural cycle. Once again, management of the herd becomes necessary. In the future, there are hopes of creating a fence that is less of a psychological barrier to the wolves and that will possibly reinstate the natural prey-predator interaction between wolves and bison. Bison for you and me, bison for all to see! Although bison were re-introduced in Riding Mountain National Park as a display herd, today they are valued as much more than that. Their life cycle is intimately intertwined with the health of the prairie and its other inhabitants. Bison forage on specific grasses, forbs and trees; they create wallows and trails throughout the area; they add nutrients to the soil and they help propagate seeds, therefore contributing to the cycle of life. The importance of this native species is also recognized through the role the bison played in the development and life of the aboriginal people. Today, the Lake Audy Bison Enclosure is a favourite place for visitors to view bison and to experience the native prairie ecosystem. It remains a crucial area for conservation and education. The bisons’ presence can take us back to a time when they thundered on Canadian soil in the millions, on the land that is now our backyards, our cities and our parks.
Plains Bison in Elk Island National Park Whoops! Another accidental relocation… or was it? The story of how the plains bison ended up in Elk Island National Park is an interesting one. In 1906, about 400 bison were purchased from ranchers Charles Allard and Michel Pablo of Montana, who were forced to sell the herd due to the loss of grazing land. The Dominion of Canada significantly outbid the American government and purchased the herd for $200 per head, plus an additional $45 charge per head for their safe and disease-free delivery. The bison herd was destined for the newly established Buffalo National Park near Wainwright, Alberta; however, this park was yet to be fenced. Elk Island National Park (EINP), located just east of Edmonton, was already fully fenced, and in 1907 became the first home of the bison. Between 1909 and 1913, when the fence was completed at Buffalo National Park, the bison at EINP were rounded up and shipped to their new home. During the roundup, either accidentally or on purpose (no one really knows), about 48 head of bison could not, or were not, rounded up. The animals that were left formed the core of the Elk Island bison herd and, subsequently, many other herds throughout Canada and the United States. An Island Oasis!
As the name indicates, Elk Island National Park is an “island” in a sea of farmland and industry. The park is 194 km2 (about 1/4 the size of the city of Edmonton!) and is bisected by the Trans-Canada Highway. The plains bison occupy the northern half of the park and a separate herd of wood bison are kept isolated in the southern half of the park. Because of the small size and the “island” nature of the park, an eight-foot fence completely surrounds the park, preventing bison, elk, and moose from leaving. Because of this lack of mobility, and the lack of predation, EINP has seen the semi-wild bison herd spike as high as 1479 animals (in 1939). Biologists recognized the need to reduce herd numbers in order to prevent over-grazing, and starvation, and to maintain a healthy herd. Prior to about 1960, surplus animals were not used in the large-scale repopulation projects we see today, due to the expense and logistics of handling these animals. Other ways of managing the population was by slaughtering surplus animals (with the meat donated to the Armed Forces and First Nations communities) or by providing only two or three animals at a time to zoos and research facilities. One of the few large-scale relocations was in 1939, when a herd of 15 animals was sent to Banff National Park. Since about 1964, however, an increase in scientific and logistical technology has seen a change in the goals of the Elk Island bison herd. Since 1964, a relocation program called the Bison Recovery Program has seen 441 animal moved from Elk Island National Park to other wild or semi-wild herds throughout Canada, the United States, and elsewhere in the world. All the current herds in the Parks Canada system have their origins in the Elk Island Bison Recovery Program. The current population of plains bison in EINP is maintained at about 350 animals, after reductions. Between 100 and 200 animals are surplused every two years. Surplus animals are primarily used for reintroduction to wild or semi-wild herds in their historical range, but if that option is not available, they are put up for public auction. The roundup
The bison management program at Elk Island National Park is an evolving process. Every two years, or sometimes yearly, the plains bison are rounded up, counted, and weighed, and the calves are ear-tagged. Surplus animals are then shipped off to their new homes. If too many animals remain in the Park, the overgrazing pressure would impact not just the health of the bison, but also the health of other ungulate populations in the Park, such as elk and moose. EINP is located in the aspen parklands ecozone and is a mix of grasslands, wetlands, and aspen forest stands. Bison are primarily grazers (i.e., they eat grass). Biologists try to keep the population of plains bison at about 350 animals. This is called the carrying capacity or the balance between the maximum number of bison that can graze on the land and maintain natural processes and the minimum number of bison required to maintain a genetically healthy herd. An additional challenge, due to the small size of EINP, is that the landscape is much too small to sustain a wolf population (the historic natural predator of bison). Coyotes are the largest predators in EINP and they are not known to have ever preyed upon bison. It is these challenges that require biologists and park wardens at EINP to manage the bison population. A growing concern for the bison at EINP is the lack of a natural fire cycle. Historically, aspen parkland habitats would have experienced naturally caused fires relatively frequently. These fires would have helped prevent aspen trees from encroaching and taking over the grassland areas. EINP now uses prescribed burning techniques to increase grazing areas for bison; however, this is very costly, time consuming and in some cases, controversial. As such, not as much habitat may be burned yearly as is needed to counteract the effects of encroaching aspen forests, which decrease the grazing opportunity for bison. The Squeeze
In the past, bison were rounded-up on horseback and then handled in human-powered squeezes (much like you might imagine in an old western movie!). Today however, the roundup process is much less demanding and a great deal safer for both the staff and the animals. Bison are lured into holding pens in the late fall with fresh hay. From there, they are moved through a series of smaller holding pens and eventually they end up in the handling facility. Each bison is persuaded into a hydraulically powered squeeze simply by waving coloured flags and occasionally by using cattle prods. This machine does exactly what the name suggests, it squeezes the bison so that they are held tightly, and the veterinarians and biologist can then safely work with the animals. The squeeze normally does not injure or hurt the animals. In past years, bison sent for relocation programs were vaccinated against a common cattle disease called bovine viral diarrhoea and were tested for bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis. These tests were initially required in order for the Elk Island bison herd to maintain a disease-free status from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Starting in 2006, however, the requirements for disease-free status have changed. Testing and vaccinating animals is no longer required as most vaccines are developed for cattle and the effectiveness in bison is not known. Instead, ten percent of the surplus animals are slaughtered and tested for disease by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Also, in the squeeze, animals are weighed and may be physically inspected for pregnancy and calves are ear-tagged. All the data collected is then analyzed to assess the growth and health of the herd. The Future? The plains bison are well down the road to population recovery. However, wild and semi-wild populations in their historic ranges remain low. The greatest threats to these types of populations are lack of natural habitat (due to urbanization and agriculture), livestock disease, and wild bison breeding with domestic bison having cattle genes. EINP will strive to maintain a disease-free status and will continue the Bison Recovery Program well into the future.
Plains Bison in Grasslands National Park of Canada Coming full circle Plains bison were re-introduced in Grasslands National Park (GNP) in December 2005, after a 120-year absence in the area. This vast, windswept grassland had evolved with the impacts of the plains bison. With the loss of bison, the mixed-grass prairie lost the benefits of grazing, wallowing, fertilization (from dung), and other animal interactions (such as insects that thrive on bison dung!). Grasslands National Park identified the need to bring the plains bison “full circle” (to re-introduce them) to the mixed-grass prairie in order to return the ecological impacts to the land and improve upon the health of the prairie ecosystem. The Re-introduction The re-introduction of plains bison is a recent story for GNP, having been only officially released on May 24th, 2006. The bison were brought in from Elk Island National Park, and the initial herd received at GNP consisted of 71 bison, including 30 male calves, 30 female calves, and 11 female yearlings. The bison were initially released in December 2005, into a 16.2-hectare (40-acre) holding facility in the heart of the biggest chunk of land in the west block of GNP. They remained in this fenced area over winter to allow them time to adapt to their new surroundings. The bison were then released on May 24th, 2006, into the larger area of 181 square kilometres (70 square miles) in the west block. This area was chosen due to its large size, natural water source, and access for park visitors. A fence surrounds the entire perimeter of this area, resulting in a semi-wild bison herd. A few weeks before the official release in May, two of the female yearlings gave birth. It came as a welcome surprise to the Park. It was determined that a couple of the yearlings must have actually been 2-year-olds instead, making them capable of mating and birthing. So, the initial herd of 71 became 73, the good health of the bison herd was confirmed, and, in another way, the bison came full circle in their new home. The Fence: Keeping the domestics out, or keeping the wild in? Building a fence was deemed mandatory for this reintroduction project, because of the many neighbouring farms and ranches. Functionally speaking, there seemed no other way to keep the domesticated cattle and the wild bison herds from mixing. The fence was designed through public consultation and research. It has been designed to allow other animals (e.g., deer, pronghorns, cougars, etc.) to move easily in and out of the Park, but it will completely restrict the movement of any bison, cattle, or horses across the boundaries. Also, large cattle gates have been constructed at the vehicle crossings entering and exiting the park for this purpose. Installing the 71 km (45 miles) of fencing was a huge job. This Semi-wild Herd Is As Free As Can Be From a management point of view, this bison herd is considered semi-wild, as they are entirely fenced in but move and feed freely within the area. However, as this situation is still rather new, and as there are hopes to potentially rotate the herd to different parts of the Park, or to mix with different plains bison herds of Canada, it is hoped that this bison herd will have an experience as close to “truly wild” as is possible at this point in time. Their movement is unrestricted in the 181-square-kilometre area, and the bison are not being fed, which reinforces the wild nature of these animals. The theory behind this is that GNP has created the best possible scenario for creating a wild situation, and there seems little other choice at the moment. There are three natural predators of the bison: wolves, grizzly bears, and cougars. The cougar is the only one still found in GNP, as grizzly bears and wolves have been absent from the area for a long time. There are no known predators-prey occurrences between the GNP bison and cougars at this point, but there is a possibility of such occurrences in the future. Even so, it is not expected that cougars will have a great impact on the GNP bison population. Extreme climate, seasonal, and weather fluctuations may be a cause of natural deaths. This might have an impact on the bison population, but it is not expected to curb the herd growth significantly. Population control will likely need to be managed by humans. To address this, the Park has a bison management plan. GNP has set the target herd size to be around 350 bison. As there are now only 73 animals, a numbers of years of experimentation will be required to figure out the best population control methods for GNP. One plan is to manage the herd with a culling (selectively killing) and “bones-on-the-land” approach. In these cases, some of the animals may be put to use for food or for educational artifacts, and then the remains of the carcasses will be returned to the park for natural decomposition. In doing this, the culled animals will be recycled into the ecosystem as minerals and nutrients. To learn about how the public will react to this, GNP is considering running a test project of leaving a bison carcass on the landscape near a tourist trail, then collecting public reactions (stories and comments) to the sighting. Monitoring The GNP herd arrived with a certified, disease-free status. Studies have suggested that if the herd is inside of a strong fence, which prevents mixing with outside herds, and if the population is kept at a low density, then there will be little need for regular vaccinations. The Park is hoping to do this in order to keep a low level of contact with the herd while giving them the best chance at being healthy and disease-free. The Park does not have a handling facility at this time, but will be building one in the near future. The handling facility will be used to safely and quickly collect information about each bison in the herd. This facility will also help park biologists collect health and disease information about the herd. The bison will be led into the facility, where blood samples will be taken from a portion of the herd every 3-5 years. Also, throughout the year, Park employees and visitors will observe the animals, and any bison that appears to be sick or in poor health, or that is displaying nervous disorders, will be euthanized and necropsied (examined through autopsy) to obtain health information. At present, GNP biologists are initiating a GPS-collaring project on the bison. The collars have battery packs, GPS units and information-storage devices so that the bisons’ movements and behaviours may be tracked over a long period of time. To do this, the biologists follow the bison on foot or on horseback to temporarily immobilize them (with a dart anaesthetic) , collect samples and set them up with the collar unit. GNP will be learning about their movements, and the associated land use and behaviours, over a two-year period.
Original Distribution of Plains Bison in North America
Captive: Plains bison that are fenced within a relatively small area (within a few square kilometres). Ecological integrity: With respect to a National Park, a condition that is determined to be characteristic of its natural region, is likely to persist, and includes abiotic components, composition and abundance of native species and biological communities, and the rates of change and processes. National Parks are managed so as to protect ecological integrity, ensuring that all plant and animal species native to the area can continue to live in their natural habitats over their natural ranges, without any threat to their long-term survival. Ecosystem: The root word of ecosystem is “eco,” a derivative of the Greek term for house or home, and “system,” which addresses the relationships and connections between the biological and physical parts. An ecosystem is therefore a dynamic complex of organisms (biota), including humans, and their physical environment, interacting as a functional unit. Ecosystems vary in size and composition and display functional relationships within and between systems. The term may be applied to a unit as large as the entire ecosphere, or to smaller divisions, such as the Arctic, or even to small lakes. Ecosystems range from the more natural, through to heavily human-modified, systems. In its broadest sense, an ecosystem includes environmental, social, and economic elements. Dung: The excrement of animals. Habitat: The area in which an animal, plant or micro-organism lives and finds food, water, shelter, living space, and other essentials it needs to survive. Handling: Any degree of human contact with an animal. This can range from immobilizing animals in the field to luring an animal with bait into a facility where it is vaccinated and tested for disease. Herbivoire: A plant-eating organism Predator: An organism that hunts another for food. Prey: The food source for predators. Natural selection: The process by which some genes and gene combinations in a species population are reproduced more than others, when the population is exposed to an environmental change or stress. Semi wild: Semi-wild bison are fenced but move relatively freely within a fairly large area. They may not be subject to the full spectrum of predators. Some semi-wild bison are handled on a regular basis. Telemetry collaring: This is a lightweight collar equipped with a GPS device and radio transmitter. This collar records GPS locations and permits the downloading of those locations for scientific research. Tuberculosis: A common and deadly infectious disease that most commonly affects the lungs. This disease affects both humans and other mammals, including bison and cattle. Threatened: A native species of plant, animal or other organism that is likely to become endangered in its natural region if steps are not taken to protect it. Wallow: A circular patch of exposed soil, created by thrashing and rolling. Wild: Pure plains bison not enclosed by fences.
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