We have been anticipating publication of “The Ecological Buffalo” by Wes Olson and Johane Janelle. The University of Regina Press has released a pre-publication announcement and sale, expecting shipment on July 9 (much delayed by COVID-caused shortages of paper and ink).
Wes Olson, now retired, has worked with and managed bison in Canada for 35 years. Johane Janelle provides stunning full-color photographs. UR Press describes the paperback book: “An expert on the buffalo tells the history of this keystone species through extensive research and beautiful photographs – a story that takes the reader on a journey to understand the myriad connections this keystone species has with the Great Plains.” The intricacy of relationships bison once had with thousands of species is the subject of this book.
This important work will inform and help justify efforts to restore public, wild bison herds to the Great Plains, including on the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge. In the USA, the Wildlife Refuge Improvement Act directs the Fish & Wildlife Service to restore, to the extent practicable, the biological integrities of wildlife and their ecosystems on our federal refuges. However, “biological integrity” is a term easily passed over by all but the most informed readers. We believe Olson’s book will, with numerous examples, demonstrate that the biological integrity of ecosystems of the Russell Refuge cannot be restored without bison. With occasional wildfire, bison were once the most important “managers” of what is now the Russell Refuge, including its native plants and other wildlife.
The Ecological Buffalo is a must-have reference for individuals and organizations that promote restoration of truly wild bison as a keystone species in some historic plains bison habitats.
We’ve ordered our copy of The Ecological Buffalo. Cost, including shipping is $51 Canadian dollars. To see more, visit uofrpress.ca/Books/T/The-Ecological-Buffalo.
