Fauna Report- Bison

The bison is the largest, and possibly most majestic mammal in north america. It is also known as the buffalo. Its coloring ranges from light to dark brown. These creatures average six feet tall and 2000 pounds and grow a dense protective fur coat that keeps them warm through the winter. They shed their coats when the weather is warmer by rubbing up and down on trees. Bison feed on grasses, sedges and forbs, and sometimes berries, lichens, and horsetails. They are a nomadic species, meaning they move with the seasons. During the winter the bison migrate to areas of lower elevation like prairies where they are able to find more food. With their hooves and large heads they are able to clear away the snow from vegetation.

Bison are found in Europe, Asia and America. At one point they were nearly extinct. In some parts their main predator was the lion. In America they are threatened by wolves, bears, and eagles, but are able to fight off most other animals. Human hunting used to be a huge threat before it became very monitored. Once nearly all of the bison were killed except for thirty-four which were able to survive. Now a hunting license is required so the populations of buffalo stay consistent, and many buffalo are protected in the yellowstone national park.

There is some competition between bison and cattle for land. It is human imposed, because people do not want diseases like brucellosis spread to their cows from the bison. In montana, they boast themselves as a cattle state and have no tolerance for wild bison. The competition is that the bison can't go grazing on land they like, because the people want only cattle. Also there is competition between elk and bison for food, because it is hard to find during the harsh winters. Luckily here in Jackson they have the refuge to provide for all of their survival needs, so they don't have to fight over limited resources.

There is a mutual symbiotic relationship between bison and birds. Nesting inside the buffalos fur are pests that provide a steady supply of food for the birds. The birds are able to feed on these parasites that are unwanted to the bison. The birds also sound an alarm by hissing when the bison is threatened with a predator.

To help stay safe, bison travel in herds. Their large numbers intimidate predators. When threatened, the buffalo charge and are able to reach speeds of thirty miles per hour.

Bison serve an important ecological niche. They provide extra nutrients to carnivores such as the eagle, bear, and wolf. They also help keep open spaces free of trees for other hoofed animals (ungulates). Bison like large flat areas because their herds spread so widely. Without bison, an ecosystem might be out of balance. They are one part of the giant web of life that creates a successful, healthy living environment.

http://lastwildbuffalo.blogspot.com/

http://www.frogdesign.com/events/the-bird-and-the-buffalo-symbiotic-relationships-in-the-ecosphere-of-design-521.html

http://www.fws.gov/species/species_accounts/bio_buff.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Bison