Influence of Animals on Pristine Conditions on the Canadian Grasslands

Abstract

In an attempt to get a clearer picture of pristine landscape conditions in the Canadian grasslands and the natural processes affecting that landscape, the authors perused a wide cross-section of the writings of early explorers, fur traders, and adventurers. The authors concluded that overgrazing by bison probably was significant at least locally, and that this overgrazing, in association with trampling, rubbing and wallowing, contributed to the creation and maintenance of environmental conditions favorable to a variety of other wildlife.