| |
Years ago, the plains bison roamed the grasslands of North America. Millions strong, they were essential to the livelihoods of Native Nations throughout the Northern Great Plains. Then years of Western Expansion, US government policies, and market hunters nearly drove the species to extinction. Tens of millions of bison were wiped out by the end of the 19th century. What happens after is a story of resilience and collaboration.
|
|
Join us as we celebrate this iconic species. The American Buffalo, a new documentary from Ken Burns, is premiering tonight, October 16, at 8pm ET on PBS and will be streaming on pbs.org. |
|
Read on below to discover how WWF is partnering with Native Nations to help bring bison back to the grasslands.
|
|
It is difficult to overstate the immense ecological and cultural value of the plains bisonto the lifeways and lands of Native Nations throughout the Northern Great Plains. In fact, many Plains People, including the Lakota, consider the bison their relatives.
For over a century, bison advocates have worked hard to bring the plains bison back from the brink of extinction. After the plains bison population plummeted to 512 in 1889, the population has rebounded to more than 20,500 today.
Native Nations' passion and commitment to restore bison to their lands remain the cornerstone of the species’ recovery. Since 2014, WWF has partnered with Native Nations throughout the Northern Great Plains in support of their efforts to conserve and restore grassland ecosystems within their communities and stands behind local visions and strategies that aim to bolster ecological, economic, and community benefits.
We invite you to take a closer look at three stories of bison returning to lands--and how WWF is helping. |
|
|
Thank you, as always, for your support. You help us protect bison and other wildlife and their habitats around the world for future generations. |
|
|
|
| |
Bison at Badlands National Park, South Dakota © Day's Edge/WWF-US |
|
|
|
