The animal often called the American buffalo, correctly known as the American bison (Bison bison), still exists in the wild today. This species was driven to the brink of extinction during the late 19th century, with fewer than 1,000 animals remaining from a population that once numbered in the tens of millions. Today, the species is no longer considered endangered, having made a remarkable comeback through the dedicated work of conservationists, government agencies, and tribal nations. Modern efforts now focus on restoring the bison’s ecological role and genetic health across its former range.
Defining the Wild Species: Bison Versus Buffalo
The confusion over the animal’s name stems from early European explorers who mistakenly called the North American species “buffalo” because they resembled the water buffalo and African Cape buffalo. Scientifically, the animal native to North America is the bison, belonging to the genus Bison, which is distinct from the true buffalo species found in Africa and Asia. The American bison is characterized by its massive hump over the shoulders, which supports its large head, and its thick, shaggy coat and beard. True buffalo species, such as the African Cape buffalo and the Asian water buffalo, lack this prominent hump and have longer, more curved horns. Both bison and buffalo are members of the same biological family, Bovidae, which also includes domestic cattle.
Current Wild Populations and Geographic Range
Population Size and Primary Herds
The overall population of American bison in North America is estimated to be around 500,000 animals, but the vast majority are managed as livestock on commercial ranches. The population of wild or conservation-managed bison is much smaller, estimated at around 30,000 individuals. The largest and oldest continuous wild herd resides in Yellowstone National Park, numbering approximately 5,000 free-roaming bison.
Expanding the Range
Other significant conservation herds are found on federal lands, including Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota and the National Bison Range in Montana, as well as state-managed herds in Arizona, Utah, and Kansas. Tribal lands are also crucial to restoration, with the InterTribal Buffalo Council working with over 80 tribes to manage thousands of bison. Despite these efforts, conservation herds occupy only about one percent of the bison’s original historical range, which once stretched from Alaska to Mexico.
The Success Story of Conservation Herds
Historical Efforts
The comeback of the American bison began when the population dropped to just over 500 individuals by 1889. A coalition, including figures like Theodore Roosevelt, formed the American Bison Society in 1905 to prevent extinction. This organization was instrumental in securing land and establishing the first conservation herds in places like the Wichita Mountains and Wind Cave National Park.
Modern Genetic Focus
Modern conservation efforts focus on maintaining the genetic integrity of the bison, as many private herds were historically crossbred with cattle to create “cattalo” or “beefalo.” Scientists work to identify and propagate “genetically pure” bison, with Yellowstone’s herd being one of the most genetically valuable sources. Various stakeholders, including non-profits, private landowners, and tribal nations, contribute to this effort. These managed conservation herds provide seed stock to establish new herds and restore the species’ ecological function across the Great Plains.