American Bison is a painting by Tom Blodgett Jr which was uploaded on December 11th, 2010.
American Bison
The ecological impact of the bison on prairie ecosystems is far more profound than you might have imagined. Bison increase both plant and resulting... more
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Dimensions
20.000 x 14.000 inches
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Title
American Bison
Artist
Tom Blodgett Jr
Medium
Painting - Watercolor
Description
The ecological impact of the bison on prairie ecosystems is far more profound than you might have imagined. Bison increase both plant and resulting wildlife diversity through their selective grazing practices. For plants, their selective grazing practices allow forbs (broad-leaved herbs) and woody species to flourish, as the bison tend to favor dominant grasses. For wildlife, the grazed areas of the bison provide the preferred foraging and hunting grounds for prairie dogs, which themselves serve as food for ferrets, foxes, eagles, and hawks. Prairie dogs colonies also provide homes to reptiles and small mammals. Even the wallows of bison, created by their habit of rolling in the soil, create pools of water in the spring further supporting local species and vegetation. Bison also serve as a food source for such animals as wolves, grizzly bears (particularly when there are fewer elk in the winter), and birds. Finally, the decomposition of their carcasses provides nutrients to the soil and vegetation.
Bison may not be what you commonly think of as an endangered animal since plenty of places offer bison burgers. But the truth is that for pure bison (not those that have been bred with cows), there are as few as 12 to 15 thousand. This is why they are listed as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Although there has never been a documented case of brucellosis (a disease caused by bacteria) transmission to cattle from wild bison, some ranchers use this as reason for elimination.
There is an ongoing effort on the part of various organizations to preserve tracts of land to allow natural herds to roam. Federal and state agencies have the final word on how best to "manage" our cherished bison herds.
Uploaded
December 11th, 2010
