Kansas brought back 30 bison; native plant richness later rose over 100%

 In 1987, 30 bison were brought back to Kansas’ Konza Prairie as part of a long-term study of grassland ecology. Over the next 29 years, researchers found that bison grazing was linked to a major rise in native plant diversity. Native species richness increased by 103% locally and 86% across catchments, with the gains also recovering after a severe drought. In 1987, 30 bison were brought back to Kansas’ Konza Prairie as part of a long-term study of grassland ecology. Over the next 29 years, researchers found that bison grazing was linked to a major rise in native plant diversity. Native species richness increased by 103% locally and 86% across catchments, with the gains also recovering after a severe drought.