Found within the historical range of the American bison, the Janos-Hidalgo bison herd is one of the last remaining free-ranging native herds in North America. These bison currently roam between southwest New Mexico and northwest Chihuahua. In Mexico, where it is classified as endangered, the herd is protected, while in the U.S. they are considered livestock and have no legal protection. Current barriers, such as the expanding border wall between the two countries and an increase in agriculture complicate efforts to protect this last free-ranging herd.
In the past, Denver Zoo supported Dr. Rurik List’s work on bison in Janos, Mexico. Data previously collected through aerial surveys and radio collaring helped determine the bison herd’s range. Currently, Dr. List continues his efforts to collect more data by conducting surveys on population size, examining the herd’s distribution, and analyzing their genetic integrity. By gathering this important data, the main threats to the Janos bison can be determined and an overall conservation management plan implemented.
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