The Nature Conservancy in Iowa - Reintroduction of Bison to Iowa: Herd Origin and Genetics

The reintroduction of bison on the largest, contiguous native prairie in Iowa is a celebration of the progress that the Conservancy has made in Iowa, with your help. Please support this ongoing, important program.

Bison History
The bison population was decimated in the 1800s to almost extinction. However, a handful survived and have served as the basis for our repopulation to areas where the “buffalo roamed.” More history.

Current Bison Population
Most bison are in private ownership. Many reside in our public parks and conservation areas. Where are the bison?

The Nature Conservancy Herds
The Conservancy has a rich but relatively brief history with bison. The first herd of 18 bison was acquired in 1984 at the Samuel H. Ordway Memorial Prairie in South Dakota. The Conservancy manages almost 5,000 bison at their eight preserves. Conservancy bison preserves.

Grasslands Worldwide
Broken Kettle Grasslands Preserve is a globally unique landscape. By maintaining and restoring areas in the Loess Hills, the Conservancy and partners are conserving the least protected habitat on Earth, with only 2 percent of native grasslands remaining. Learn more about other grasslands around the world.

Broken Kettle Grasslands is starting the herd with 30 animals from the Slim Buttes Project Herd, which currently resides at Lame Johnny Creek Ranch near Wind Cave National Park outside of Rapid City, South Dakota. The Slim Buttes Project herd is owned by the Conservancy but the animals originally came from the Wind Cave National Park, a closed breeding herd since 1916, having started with 14 animals from the Bronx Zoo and six from Yellowstone National Park. The Slim Buttes Project Herd has been supplemented twice from the Wild Cave herd.

The Conservancy has continued to manage this herd as a closed breeding herd. The herd currently tests as a genetically unhybridized herd, meaning that cattle genes are not present. At the end of October 2008, Broken Kettle Grassland will receive 30 animals from the Slim Buttes Project Herd.

The Conservancy will continue to work closely with Texas A&M genetic researchers to ensure genetic vigor as the herd grows in both locations. Based on available science, Texas A&M recommendations and further genetic testing, the Conservancy plans to continue this genetic stock at other Conservancy preserves that are preparing to introduce bison in their management plans.

Images (top to bottom, left to right): bison at Lame Johnny Creek Ranch, South Dakota © Bob Paulson/TNC, spring calf at Lame Johnny Creek Ranch, South Dakota © Bob Paulson/TNC