Bison reintroduction increases plant diversity in Kansas prairie

A 29-year study of the Konza Prairie in Kansas has revealed that the reintroduction of bison has significantly boosted native plant diversity. Following the release of 30 bison from the Fort Riley military reserve in 1987, researchers documented a profound ecological transformation.

Data published in the journal PNAS shows that by 2020, 10-square-meter plots grazed by bison contained 103% more native plant species compared to areas without large herbivores. On a larger watershed scale, this increase remained substantial at 86%. Notably, these diversity gains persisted even after periods of extreme drought.

Scientists attribute this shift to the bison's grazing habits. By primarily consuming dominant grasses, bison prevent a few species from monopolizing resources, thereby creating space and micro-habitats for a wider variety of plants to thrive. The study also compared bison to cattle, finding that while cattle also increased diversity, they were less effective than bison, providing only a 41% increase in plots and 30% at a larger scale.