Here's a breakdown:
* Hunting for hides and tongues: Buffalo hides were highly valuable for making leather goods, and their tongues were considered a delicacy. This created a strong economic incentive for large-scale hunting.
* Sport hunting: Wealthy Easterners often traveled west for the thrill of buffalo hunting, further contributing to the decline.
* Government policy: The U.S. government, in its efforts to control Native American populations, encouraged buffalo hunting and even provided subsidies for it. This was seen as a way to remove a key food source and force Native Americans onto reservations.
* Railroad expansion: The construction of railroads across the Great Plains made it easier for hunters to access buffalo herds and transport the hides and tongues.
While disease and harsh winters also played a role in buffalo population decline, they were not the primary drivers. The sheer scale of commercial hunting, fueled by economic incentives and government policy, ultimately led to the near-extinction of the southern buffalo herds.