Assessing Potential Habitat and Carrying Capacity for Reintroduction of Plains Bison (Bison bison bison) in Banff National Park

摘要: Interest in bison (Bison bison, B. bonasus) conservation and restoration continues to grow globally. In Canada, plains (B. b. bison) are threatened, occupying less than 0.5% of their former range. The largest threat recovery is the lack habitat which they considered compatible with current land uses. Fences direct management make range expansion by most impossible. Reintroduction into previously occupied areas that remain suitable, therefore, critical for North America. Banff National Park recognized as historical has been identified a potential site reintroduction wild population. To evaluate quality assess if there sufficient breeding population, we developed Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) model proposed surrounding (Banff). We then synthesize previous studies on relationships, forage availability, energetics snowfall scenarios estimate nutritional carrying capacity. Considering constraints capacity, realistic scenario evaluated resulted an estimated maximum density 0.48 bison/km2. This corresponds support at least 600 1000 could be one 10 populations Within Banff, spatial variation predicted suitability population size suggests likely successful from perspective. would represent significant global step towards conserving this iconic species, our approach provides useful template evaluating other endangered species reintroductions