National
Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Yellowstone National Park
P.O. Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 11, 2009 09-081
Al Nash or Stacy Vallie (307) 344-2015
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YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK NEWS RELEASE
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Yellowstone's Summer 2009 Bison Population Estimate Released
Yellowstone National Park has completed a bison population
abundance estimate.
The population is estimated to be 3,300 bison. The estimate
is based on a series of aerial surveys conducted in June
and July.
The population now includes 2,800 adult and yearling bison,
and 500 calves of the year. The population is about equally
distributed between the Central Interior and Northern
Range herds.
The population was estimated at 3,000 bison last summer;
and at 2,900 adult and yearling bison in late winter.
The peak population estimate of 4,900 bison was recorded
in the summer 2005.
The observed rate of population change this past year
is within the natural range of expectation for wild bison.
The rate at which wildlife populations increase in abundance
is a reflection of the combined effects
of reproduction and mortality, and is heavily influenced
by age structure of the population, and habitat conditions
encountered over the course of time.
This population estimate is used to inform adaptive management
strategies under the Interagency Bison Management Plan
(IBMP). Specific management actions may be modified based
on expected late winter population levels as corroborated
by the summer population estimate.
The IBMP is a cooperative plan designed to conserve a
viable, wild bison population while protecting Montana's
brucellosis-free status.
The five cooperating agencies operating under the IBMP
are the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service,
the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the Montana
Department of Livestock, and the Montana Department of
Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,
Public Affairs Office
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
(307) 344-2013
Yell_Public_Affairs@nps.gov
www.nps.gov/yell
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