Bison Reintroduction Boosts Biodiversity in Prairies

A Kansas State University study has found that reintroducing bison to tallgrass prairies can significantly enhance biodiversity and drought resilience, with native plant species increasing by 0.58 to 1.06 species per year compared to cattle, which only boost biodiversity by half that amount. Bison's year-round grazing habits and formation of 'grazing lawns' create conditions that favor diverse plant growth by reducing dominant grass cover. During extreme droughts in 2011-2012, areas grazed by bison recovered to pre-drought levels within two to four years, demonstrating greater resilience than cattle-grazed or ungrazed regions. The study's findings highlight the ecological benefits of bison grazing, particularly as climate extremes become more prevalent. Researchers advocate for the rewilding of bison as a means to restore ecological balance in the Great Plains. The research emphasizes that biodiversity is crucial for promoting ecological resilience in changing climates.