In a new large-scale study of wild bison genetics, a team of scientists funded by the U.S. National Park Service and led by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has identified practical actions to maintain the genetic health of bison herds on federal lands, setting a foundation for the successful long-term conservation of wild bison. Findings indicate that increasing the actual or effective size of existing herds, establishing large herds, or the careful exchange of individual bison between herds, is needed to maintain the genetic diversity of wild bison.

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and Pueblo of Pojoaque will co-host a conference to advance a bold vision: rewilding the North American continent with the American bison. 

All You Need to Know about the Aug. 17-28 Wildlife Trade Conference in Geneva, Switzerland

WCS scientists in our Global Conservation Program and in our zoos and aquarium issued a list of nine iconic wildlife species that are recovering in 2019 due to conservation action.

WASHINGTON (November 1, 2017) – For the fifth time in five years, the U.S. Senate has passed a resolution marking National Bison Day as the first Saturday in November, which falls this year on November 4th. The resolution comes a year after bison were adopted as the U.S. National Mammal through an act of Congress. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (NOVEMBER 4, 2016) – The American Bison Coalition, on behalf of its steering members is joining scores of bison-friendly groups, organizations and businesses around the country this month to celebrate our country’s first National Bison Day since the North American bison was officially adopted as the U.S. National Mammal. 

July 27, 2016 – A team of conservation biologists is calling for a worldwide strategy to prevent the unthinkable: the extinction of the world’s largest mammal species.

The Vote Bison Coalition held a special reception at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian to celebrate the adoption of the North American bison as America’s national mammal. 

NEW YORK (May 9, 2016) – The following is a statement from John Calvelli, WCS Executive Vice President for Public Affairs:

 Cristián Samper, WCS President and CEO, said: “The National Bison Legacy Act is a milestone in a long journey by WCS, its flagship Bronx Zoo, and many other partners to prevent the bison from going extinct and to recognize the bison’s ecological, cultural, historical and economic importance to the United States.”