TGP Bison Roundup 2001
Created | Updated Sep 4, 2002
Every October on the Tall Grass Prairie Preserve (TGP) scientists conduct a census of the bison population, administer veterinary treatments and record the health of each animal. Culling the herd of low-vigour, aged animals, and some calves simulates predation and maintains herd size at optimum numbers for the amount of land available at the TGP.
Bob Hamilton, the Director of Science & Stewardship, reported results of the 2001 annual bison roundup as listed here:
- Calves born in 2001: 371 head of which there were 175 females and 196 males.
- Red Calves1: zero, whereas there were 17 in year 2000.
- Calving Rate2: 68-percent.
- Bison at Roundup3: 1,536 head.
- Known Absentees: 2 cows & 1 bull.
- Number sold: 51 head.
- Number Purchased4: 7 bulls from Fort Niobrara, Nebraska.
- Over-wintering Herd Size: 1,492 head.
- Expected Spring 2002 Calves: 450 approximately.
- Bison Pasture Annual Acreage: 14,391 with 3,300 acres to be added in the autumn 2002.
- Maximum Weight: 1,652 pounds - 1996 born bull.
- Minimum Weight: 144 pounds - heifer calf.
Acknowledgements
This article is a lightly edited reproduction of a memorandum from Bob Hamilton addressed to All Interested Persons, dated 22 January 2002.
1Red Calves: 1 to 2 months old at roundup.2Calving Rate = Number of calves at roundup divided by the number of females of calving age.3Number of bison worked through the corral.4Funded by Adopt-A-Bison.
