Return of the Bison - by Roger Di Silvestro (Paperback)

About the Book

A compelling blend of history and accessible modern science illustrating how the rebound of the West's most iconic animal can serve as a model for species conservation

Book Synopsis

"With fervor and meticulous research--and with implications for the future of megafauna around the world--Roger L. Di Silvestro recounts the complex and difficult ongoing struggle for bison recovery." - Shelf Awareness

• Offers a hopeful view of threatened species, grounded in history and science
• Addresses current conservation trends: wildlife corridors, prairie restoration, cultural restoration for the American Indian community

Return of the Bison is the story of how this symbol of the American West was once almost lost to history and of the continuing journey to bring bison back from the brink. Author and naturalist Roger Di Silvestro explores the complex history of the bison's decimation and how a rising awareness of their possible extinction formed the roots of many modern wildlife conservation approaches. Weaving in natural history and fascinating historical context featuring personalities such as Teddy Roosevelt, George Bird Grinnell, and William T. Hornaday, Di Silvestro traces the decades it took to begin to save the bison, often with little hope and plagued by discouraging setbacks. Di Silvestro explores the key role in the story of America's Indigenous people, whose fate was intertwined with the bison's and whose conservation work is important not only for the animal's recovery but also for their own cultural renewal.

Di Silvestro also examines the plight of European bison and the latest challenges facing the species in the US: Are the bison doomed to be treated like cattle, fenced and contained? Or will they be listed as an endangered species, requiring us to treat them like the wild animals they are?

Review Quotes

An excellent biography of America's most iconic mammal, this narrative offers a sophisticated blend of zoology, Great Plains studies, Native American lore, conservation policy, and restoration strategies. Highly recommended!--Douglas Brinkley "author of Silent Spring Revolution"

Roger L. Di Silvestro weaves a tale of hope...Return of the Bison details the cultural, scientific, and political advancements that have brought this Western icon back from the brink of extinction.--Marc Beaudin "Big Sky Journal"

Why is a biologically robust species with a half million individuals considered ecologically extinct? Di Silvestro explains this complex and often puzzling story, as well as heroic efforts of ranchers, politicians, conservationists, and Indigenous Americans to restore bison to their native habitat.--Rick Wallen "former leader of the Yellowstone Bison Management Team"

A cautiously optimistic tale of recovery for historians and a call to action for nature lovers.--Wade Lee-Smith "Library Journal"

Nature author Di Silvestro delivers a status report on the bison, or buffalo that is both obscenely tragic and flecked with optimism...All in all, an excellent account.--Alan Moores "Booklist"

In this informative history, nature journalist Di Silvestro chronicles efforts to protect bison in the American West from the 1880s to the present.-- "Publishers Weekly"

With fervor and meticulous research--and with implications for the future of megafauna around the world--Roger L. Di Silvestro recounts the complex and difficult ongoing struggle for bison recovery.-- "Shelf Awareness"