Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 1 day ago
Bison roughly doubled native plant diversity on a Kansas prairie
A long-term study at Konza Prairie in northeastern Kansas found that areas grazed by bison had far more native plant species than areas without large grazers.
Researchers tracked prairie plants for 29 years after bison returned to the site in 1987, following about a century of absence from Kansas.
Bison plant diversity was 103 percent higher in small plots and 86 percent higher across whole watersheds than in ungrazed areas.
Bison mostly eat dominant grasses, which can make room and let in more light for wildflowers and other plants.
Their uneven grazing also creates a mix of short and tall vegetation, giving different species places to grow.
Cattle also increased plant diversity at Konza, but by less than half as much as bison.
The gains in diversity continued over time and recovered after a severe regional drought; the study suggests bison could aid prairie biodiversity where reintroduction is feasible.
A 29-year study at Konza Prairie in northeastern Kansas found that bison roughly doubled native plant diversity compared with ungrazed prairie.
Plant species richness was 103 percent higher in small plots and 86 percent higher across whole watersheds in areas grazed by bison.
Researchers said bison grazing opens light and space for wildflowers and other broadleaf plants by reducing dominant grasses.
Cattle also increased plant diversity at the site, but by less than half as much as bison.
The researchers said cattle can benefit biodiversity and that bison reintroduction may have a greater positive effect when feasible.
- Who
- Researchers led by Zak Ratajczak, then an assistant professor of biology at Kansas State University.
- What
- A study found that bison roughly doubled native plant diversity compared with ungrazed prairie.
- When
- The study followed plant communities for 29 years; it was published in 2022.
- Where
- Konza Prairie Biological Station in the Flint Hills of northeastern Kansas.
- Why
- Bison grazing reduces dominant grasses and creates light and space for other plants to grow.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Bison were an integral part of North American grasslands before they were abruptly removed from over 99% of the Great Plains
I think this study also shows that cattle can have a largely positive impact on biodiversity conservation in our region, especially considering that many in cattle production conduct the prescribed fires that have kept these grasslands from becoming woodlands
What this study really suggests is that when it’s economically and ecologically feasible, reintroducing bison might have an even more positive effect on biodiversity conservation
About 30 bison were introduced to Konza Prairie.
The study of plant communities at Konza Prairie was published.
Researchers reported that native plant diversity had roughly doubled in bison-grazed areas compared with ungrazed areas.
- Bison introduced
- About 30 animals in 1987
- Study duration
- 29 years
- Small-plot richness increase
- 103 percent in bison pastures compared with ungrazed areas
- Watershed richness increase
- 86 percent in bison pastures compared with ungrazed areas
- Current herd
- Roughly 300 bison
- Bison range
- About 2,400 acres (970 hectares)
Sources
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