Abstract
The range use patterns and food habits of Bison bison at Wind Cave National Park (WCNP) were observed during the winter, spring and summer of 1979. WCNP, a fenced area of 11,355 ha, is located in the southeastern portion of the Black Hills of South Dakota. Approximately 80 percent of the Park is in rolling mixed-grass prairie, and the remainder is rocky hills covered by Pinus onderosa. Other major herbivores inhabiting the Park include elk (Cervus elaphus), pronghorn (Antilocapra americana), mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), and black-tailed prairie dog (Cymomys ludovicianus). Information pertaining to the bison herd's use of range resources is necessary to make proper management decisions concerning the bison within the Park. In addition, because WCNP is a remnant representation of the mixed-grass floral and faunal complex, and because the bison are able to roam freely within the boundaries, this study was also an opportunity to describe the ways in which bison utilize some of the resources with which they evolved. Specific objectives of the study were to determine (1) seasonal food habits, key forage species, and differences in food habits between age and sex classes, and (2) interactions with other major ungulates using the range.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: The UW National Parks Service Research Station Annual Reports
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.