Theses and Dissertations at Montana State University (MSU)

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Spatio-temporal dynamics of the central bison herd in Yellowstone National Park
(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Letters & Science, 2006) Bruggeman, Jason Edward; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Robert A. Garrott
The spatio-temporal dynamics of Yellowstone National Park bison (Bison bison) are complex and affected by multiple abiotic and biotic mechanisms. In the Madison- Firehole area, which provides winter range for the migratory central herd, this suite of effects is particularly intricate owing to geothermally influenced habitats, severe winter climate, and variability in resource distribution. Understanding factors influencing bison spatio-temporal dynamics is of importance to Yellowstone, which is faced with managing a growing bison population that is expanding its range. I gathered data from 1997-2005 using field methods and used statistical modeling and information theoretic techniques to examine spatial and temporal patterns in bison migration, road and off-road travel, and foraging behavior in relation to abiotic and biotic factors. Numbers of bison migrating were related to density and drought severity, while snow, drought, and density affected timing of migration. The probability of bison travel and spatial distribution of travel corridors were affected by topographic and habitat attributes including slope, landscape roughness, habitat, and distances to streams, foraging areas, and forested habitats.