Nasa tracks remnants of oldest bison herds
Yellowstone Bison are the only herd in lower America to survive since prehistoric times
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Friday, 03, Nov 2006 01:28
Satellite data and computer modelling from Nasa has helped to track the remaining numbers of America's Yellowstone bison.
Once 30 million-strong, the bison herd's numbers dwindled to under 50 at the start of the 19th century due to hunting and poaching.
Since then, initiatives created in the Yellowstone National Park have boosted the number to 3,900 of the animals, which are the only herd in lower America to survive since prehistoric times.
Scientists from California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB), Montana State University at Bozeman and the National Park Service (NPS) have used the Nasa data to help track the herd as it makes its epic migration across wild prairie lands.
The key to tracking where the bison will migrate to is in understanding where the snow is melting, and therefore where the bison will move to for food.
Conflicts arise when the bison stray across the northern boundaries of Yellowstone and into the state of Montana. Conservation of the bison is key in the park, but beyond there ranch owners are more concerned with the conservation of their cattle, which are at risk from Brucellosis-infected bison.
By tracking the snow shifts scientists can now predict where the bison will move to and move them back onto public land and away from cattle.
Fred Watson, principal investigator of the project and an assistant professor of science and environmental policy at CSUMB, said: "The National Park Service is not a traditional user of Nasa information. But this is a great opportunity to use Nasa technology to help the folks at Yellowstone.
"This project lets them know what capabilities we have and enables us to try different ways to incorporate Nasa data and technology into their whole bison management program. It's a wonderful chance to aid in wildlife management."