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North American Elk Reintroduction in Oklahoma

After disappearing more than a century and a half ago due to over-hunting, a small herd of North American elk are again wandering across The Nature Conservancy's J.T. Nickel Family Nature and Wildlife Preserve in Oklahoma. The event marked the first time that elk have been reintroduced on a Nature Conservancy preserve anywhere in the United States.

The herd of 20 elk (15 females and five males) was a gift to the Conservancy from a private ranch in western Oklahoma. The elk are free-ranging, so they don't have to stay on the preserve.

But Jay Pruett, director of conservation for the Oklahoma chapter, said he expects the animals will take advantage of the excellent habitat and grazing opportunities on the Nickel preserve's wooded hills, prairies and savannas.

"We think they'll stick around," Pruett said.

The animals have been tagged with radio collars so that preserve staff will be able to track their movements. The staff will also evaluate the elks' impact on the preserve vegetation.

“We think it will improve vegetation because the native communities evolved with elk,” Pruett said. “They are part of the system.”

Several of the female elk are already pregnant, and if this first herd does well the preserve staff may introduce 20 more next year. Animals might also be added in future years to maintain genetic diversity.

North American elk were once common throughout the Ozarks. A key goal of The Nature Conservancy's conservation program at the Nickel Preserve is to restore as many of the ecosystem's original pieces (species and habitats) and natural processes (such as fire) as feasible.

By reintroducing elk to the preserve, the Conservancy is restoring a truly majestic piece of our natural heritage.

For More Information:

• Announcement: The reintroduction of North American elk to the J.T. Nickel Family Nature and Wildlife Preserve
  The first North American elk to set hoof in the Ozarks in 150 years have arrived at the J.T. Nickel Family Nature and Wildlife Preserve.
• Where We Work: The Nature Conservancy in Oklahoma
  Together with our members and conservation partners, the Oklahoma Chapter of The Nature Conservancy preserves the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive.
• Places We Protect: J.T. Nickel Family Nature and Wildlife Preserve
  The J. T. Nickel Family Nature and Wildlife Preserve is the largest privately protected conservation area in the Ozarks, covering 15,000 acres in eastern Oklahoma's rolling Cookson Hills and overlooking the Illinois River.
• Archive of our Saves of the Week and Success Stories
  Read more about The Nature Conservancy's work to save the last great places on Earth.