katqanna
Well-known member
The presentation is on February 3rd, at the Bozeman Public Library, Large Community Room. Light refreshments and snacks at 6:30 pm; presentation at 7:00 pm.
Dr. James Bailey will present a slide show and discussion based upon his new book, “American Plains Bison: Rewilding an Icon”. Jim was a professor of biology at Colorado State University for 20 years, and is presently focused on conserving wild bison, a species that is currently being managed on the brink of extinction, as is the case with the Yellowstone National Park herd.
For many, plains bison are the embodiment of wildness and the pre-settlement American West. After millennia of evolution through natural selection, however, the species was nearly wiped out, only to be subjected to domestication for more than 100 years. Domestication alters the bison genome through inbreeding, crossing with cattle genes, shrinking genetic diversity and artificial selection. These forces continue to replace natural selection and valued wild characteristics of bison. Does the future hold only continued domestication for plains bison in the United States? With a view from over 50 years in the profession of wildlife biology, Bailey probes this and other questions. The book presents his original and lively analysis of 44 conservation bison herds on native range in the United States. He focuses upon the gray area between wildness and domestication and sheds light on domesticating practices of Native American and government agencies, as well as commercial bison producers. He challenges the profession of wildlife management to expand its views on manipulating wildlife populations. For bison, Bailey makes a strong case for creating large reserves to restore wild bison and their natural contributions to our grassland ecosystems.
Dr. James Bailey will present a slide show and discussion based upon his new book, “American Plains Bison: Rewilding an Icon”. Jim was a professor of biology at Colorado State University for 20 years, and is presently focused on conserving wild bison, a species that is currently being managed on the brink of extinction, as is the case with the Yellowstone National Park herd.
For many, plains bison are the embodiment of wildness and the pre-settlement American West. After millennia of evolution through natural selection, however, the species was nearly wiped out, only to be subjected to domestication for more than 100 years. Domestication alters the bison genome through inbreeding, crossing with cattle genes, shrinking genetic diversity and artificial selection. These forces continue to replace natural selection and valued wild characteristics of bison. Does the future hold only continued domestication for plains bison in the United States? With a view from over 50 years in the profession of wildlife biology, Bailey probes this and other questions. The book presents his original and lively analysis of 44 conservation bison herds on native range in the United States. He focuses upon the gray area between wildness and domestication and sheds light on domesticating practices of Native American and government agencies, as well as commercial bison producers. He challenges the profession of wildlife management to expand its views on manipulating wildlife populations. For bison, Bailey makes a strong case for creating large reserves to restore wild bison and their natural contributions to our grassland ecosystems.
