Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Evaluation Of Alternative Culling Strategies For Maintenance Of Genetic Variaton In Bison (Bison Bison), Rachael Marie Toldness

Theses and Dissertations

Bison (Bison bison) once numbered in the millions and roamed across much of the lower 48 states. By the late 1800s, overhunting had reduced the population to around 1,000 individuals. Strong efforts to establish managed herds have resulted in a steady bison population increase. Currently, six herds are maintained by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) at National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) and are intensively managed through annual culling to keep herd size at targeted levels. Although various criteria have historically been used to select individuals for culling, the FWS currently employs an allele frequency based strategy that we have …