Bison, North America’s largest land mammals, are present in New Mexico, contributing to the state’s ecological diversity and cultural heritage. These majestic animals, often mistakenly called buffalo, inhabit various landscapes, from private ranches to tribal lands. Their presence reflects a complex history of decline and dedicated conservation efforts.
Current Presence and Habitats
Bison herds in New Mexico exist across private ranches, tribal lands, and managed conservation areas. While truly wild, free-ranging herds are not currently found, several significant populations thrive under careful management.
Ted Turner’s ranches, including Vermejo Park Ranch near Raton, Armendaris Ranch in south-central New Mexico, and Ladder Ranch, host substantial bison. Vermejo alone manages approximately 2,100 bison, some from the genetically pure Castle Rock herd. Armendaris Ranch, a vast 360,000-acre property in the Chihuahuan desert, also supports bison alongside other wildlife.
Other private operations, like Beck & Bulow Ranch near Las Vegas, manage herds on thousands of acres, sometimes facilitating controlled hunts. Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron maintains a herd of around 150 bison for educational purposes and managed hunts.
Tribal nations are also involved; the Pueblo of Pojoaque started a bison program in 1994 and now manages nearly 100 bison on over 5,400 acres. Taos Pueblo also has a herd, with additions from Yellowstone National Park to enhance genetic diversity. These herds inhabit diverse New Mexico environments, from mountainous terrain and pine forests to semi-desert grasslands.
Historical Journey in New Mexico
Historically, bison roamed extensively across North America, including parts of New Mexico, as part of a vast “great bison belt” stretching from Alaska to the Gulf of Mexico. Archaeological records from as early as 700 CE confirm their presence in northern Mexico and adjoining U.S. areas, including southwestern New Mexico. Estimates suggest that in the 1600s, around 60 million bison inhabited North America.
This changed in the 19th century due to several factors. Spanish settlers introduced horses, which competed with bison for resources and made hunting more efficient. Droughts in the 1800s stressed bison populations. By the 1850s, the number of bison seen by Native nations declined significantly.
Commercial hunting, driven by demand for hides and meat, and policies aimed at removing bison to control Indigenous populations, led to a significant decline. By 1889, the total U.S. population of bison was estimated at only 85 individuals, with the species having largely disappeared from New Mexico by the 1870s.
Restoration and Management Initiatives
The recovery of bison populations in New Mexico and across the United States is due to significant restoration and management efforts. Conservationists and scientists began restoring American bison in the early 20th century. Today, various entities collaborate to manage and expand herds, including state agencies, federal agencies, tribal nations, and private conservation groups.
A key aspect involves maintaining genetic diversity within herds, often through transfers from established populations like Yellowstone National Park. The InterTribal Buffalo Council, comprising 80 tribes across 20 states, facilitates the management of over 20,000 bison, supporting herd development and reincorporating bison into tribal diets and cultures. Research into innovative management techniques, such as virtual fencing, is also being explored in New Mexico to reintroduce bison to public and private lands. These ongoing efforts aim to ensure the long-term viability of bison populations in New Mexico, recognizing their ecological and cultural importance.