How bison reintroduction in Oklahoma restored tallgrass prairie and boosted soil carbon capture

A 1993 reintroduction of 300 bison into Oklahoma's Tallgrass Prairie Preserve has grown to a herd of 2,100 to 2,700 animals, restoring 39,000 acres of native grassland. Bison grazing patterns, which favor grass over flowering plants, have boosted plant diversity to over 750 species. Their wallowing creates ponds for wildlife, and their dung feeds beetles that trap carbon in the soil. The preserve also uses controlled burns to mimic historical practices, reducing wildfire risk and enhancing carbon retention in roots. This is a concrete example of how managed grazing can support both biodiversity and climate goals.