Genetic analyses of wild bison in Alberta, Canada: implications for recovery and disease management

A genetic analysis of wild bison populations in Alberta, Canada, reveals that the Harper Creek and Ronald Lake herds are genetically distinct from the diseased Wood Buffalo National Park (WBNP) herd, despite their proximity. This finding challenges the assumption that neighboring bison were also infected with diseases prevalent in WBNP, suggesting limited contact between these groups. The study used microsatellite genotypes to assess genetic differentiation among free-ranging bison populations, including those in the Northwest Territories and Elk Island National Park. Results indicate that while the Mackenzie and Elk Island populations, founded from WBNP animals in the 1960s, are genetically differentiated, the more recently established Hay Zama population is not. The Harper Creek herd shows significant differentiation from all other studied populations, warranting further investigation for its potential role in bison recovery efforts.

Ball, M. C., Fulton, T. L., & Wilson, G. A. (2016). Genetic analyses of wild bison in Alberta, Canada: implications for recovery and disease management. Journal of Mammalogy, 97(6), 1525–1534. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyw110