Ecological consequences of bison reintroduction
Bison reintroduction has the potential to restore species diversity and ecological function to grasslands that evolved with large grazing herbivores, as well as to restore cultural connections to land and people. Interest in bison reintroduction is rapidly gaining momentum, yet human-bison co-existence remains a challenge in many landscapes. We recently launched a trans-disciplinary study that encompasses important dimensions of animal, human and land health in northern Colorado – much of this work was led by former PhD student Kate Wilkins and some of our findings are published in Conservation Science and Practice and in Rangeland Ecology and Management. We also surveyed experts to better ellucidate challenge and opportunities for restoring bison across jurisdictional boundaries, now published in Biological Conservation.