Humans played a crucial role in preventing the extinction of bison through several key efforts:
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Legislation and Protection: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as bison populations declined drastically due to overhunting and habitat loss, conservationists and government officials recognized the need to protect the species. Laws such as the Lacey Act and the establishment of national parks (e.g., Yellowstone National Park in 1872) helped safeguard bison from further hunting and habitat encroachment.
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Breeding Programs: Various conservation organizations and wildlife refuges initiated breeding programs to increase bison populations. Notably, in the 1900s, a few bison were captured and bred in captivity, which helped to establish a genetic stock for future re-introduction into the wild.
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Public Awareness Campaigns: Advocacy and education played significant roles in changing public perception about bison. Conservationists, writers, and organizations raised awareness about the plight of the bison and rallied support for their protection through campaigns, publications, and public speaking.
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Restoration of Habitat: Efforts were made to restore and protect habitats critical to bison. This included managing grasslands and prairie ecosystems to ensure that bison had sufficient food and space to thrive.
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Cattle Ranching Alternatives: Some ranchers began integrating bison as an alternative to cattle, seeing them as a more sustainable livestock choice. This not only provided economic incentives for bison farming but also contributed to increased awareness and appreciation of the species.
Through these combined efforts, bison populations began to recover from their historic lows, and today they are no longer on the brink of extinction, although they remain a symbol of both conservation success and the continuing challenges of wildlife management.
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