Tule elk, a subspecies found exclusively in California, have a compelling conservation story. While these animals faced near extinction, they are no longer considered endangered. Their journey from a tiny remnant population to a thriving presence highlights the success of dedicated conservation efforts over many decades.
Unique Characteristics of Tule Elk
Tule elk (Cervus canadensis nannodes) are the smallest North American elk subspecies. They have a light, buffy beige coat with a darker brown mane circling their necks. Adult males (bulls) weigh 450-700 pounds, while females (cows) average 375-425 pounds. These elk are adapted to open country and semi-desert conditions, unlike other elk species that prefer temperate climates and dense cover.
Historically, their native range spanned much of central California, from the Sierra Nevada foothills to the coastline, and from the Sacramento River headwaters south to the Tehachapi Mountains. Tule elk are non-migratory, unlike some other elk subspecies, and their breeding season (rut) occurs later in the year, from August through October. As herbivores, they primarily graze on grasses and forbs, remaining within four miles of an open water source.
From Near Extinction to Recovery
Before European settlement, an estimated 500,000 tule elk roamed California’s grasslands. The 19th century brought a dramatic decline in their numbers. Unregulated hunting for hides, tallow, and meat, and habitat loss from agricultural expansion and the Gold Rush pushed them to the brink. By 1870, tule elk were widely believed extinct.
A small remnant herd, estimated at 10 to 28 individuals, was discovered in 1874-1875 near Buena Vista Lake in the southern San Joaquin Valley. Rancher Henry Miller played a significant role in their initial protection by safeguarding this last group on his land. Early relocation attempts were largely unsuccessful, but from 1914 to 1934, the California Academy of Science successfully relocated 235 tule elk to 22 sites. Further legislative protection came in 1971 with the state’s Behr Bill, prohibiting hunting until populations reached 2,000. A 1976 U.S. Congress resolution also directed federal agencies to make lands available for their preservation.
Current Conservation Status
Tule elk’s conservation status today reflects a remarkable recovery. They are not listed as federally endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) or by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This is a significant improvement from historical low numbers. The wild population in California has grown substantially, with estimates reaching approximately 5,700 individuals across 22 herds as of 2019-2020, and up to 6,000 individuals by 2023.
Their recovery is largely attributed to successful reintroduction programs and sustained habitat protection efforts. These initiatives allowed the species to rebound from a severe genetic bottleneck. Reestablishing multiple herds across California has been instrumental in securing their population growth.
Ongoing Protection and Management
Though no longer endangered, ongoing protection and management efforts remain important for tule elk’s long-term survival. State agencies, such as the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), oversee these populations through various strategies. Habitat management is a primary focus, involving improving forage quality, reducing invasive weeds, and implementing prescribed burning.
Relocation programs establish new herds and augment existing ones, ensuring genetic diversity and expanding their range. Monitoring efforts, including population counts and health assessments, help track herd well-being. Despite recovery, challenges persist, including habitat fragmentation, drought affecting water and food availability, and diseases like Johne’s disease. Conservation organizations also advocate for and support these ongoing efforts to maintain healthy tule elk populations.