Historically, American bison were once abundant in North America, with an estimated population of around 30 million before the arrival of European settlers. However, over the course of the 19th century, bison populations experienced a dramatic decline due to several factors:
1. Commercial Hunting: The demand for bison products, particularly their hides, meat, and fur, fueled large-scale commercial hunting. Bison populations were decimated as thousands of animals were killed each year for their pelts and other body parts.
2. Government-Sponsored Extermination: In the late 1800s, the United States government encouraged the extermination of bison as part of their policy to control Native American tribes. The intention was to deprive Native Americans of their primary food source and disrupt their traditional way of life.
3. Competition with Livestock: As settlers moved westward and brought their cattle and other livestock with them, bison faced competition for grazing and resources. The introduction of domestic cattle also brought diseases that bison had no natural immunity to, contributing to their decline.
4. Loss of Habitat: The expansion of agriculture and development reduced the bison's natural habitat, fragmenting their populations and limiting their access to food and shelter.
5. Disease Transmission: The spread of diseases from domesticated animals further decimated bison populations, including the introduction of bovine brucellosis and tuberculosis from cattle.
The combination of these factors pushed bison to the brink of extinction, with their numbers plummeting from millions to just a few hundred by the end of the 19th century. Fortunately, conservation efforts and the establishment of wildlife preserves have allowed the American bison population to recover, and they are now no longer considered endangered. However, their conservation status remains vulnerable, and ongoing efforts are necessary to protect their habitat and ensure their long-term survival.