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Survey of Bison Herd Managers: Genetic Issues and Concerns. Keith Aune 1 & Thomas Jung 2 1 Wildlife Conservation Society, Bozeman, Montana 2 Yukon Department of Environment, Whitehorse, Yukon. Survey Monkey with 58 questions 9 categories Survey link was emailed to 69 Bison Managers
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Survey of Bison Herd Managers: Genetic Issues and Concerns Keith Aune 1 & Thomas Jung 2 1 Wildlife Conservation Society, Bozeman, Montana 2 Yukon Department of Environment, Whitehorse, Yukon
Survey Monkey with 58 questions • 9 categories • Survey link was emailed to 69 Bison Managers • 42 Responses (61%)
Who Responded • 85% managed Plains bison; 15% wood bison
Management Framework 78% 13%
Cattle Gene Introgression Number of Herds
Cattle Gene Introgression Rating Average: 3.23 (~Neutral-Agree)
Mixing Wild and Domestic No Herds
Rating Average: 2.66 (~Disagree-Neutral)
Rating Average: 1.92 (~Disagree)
Rating Average: 3.65 (~Agree-Neutral)
Rating Average: 1.74 (~Disagree-Strongly Disagree)
Rating Average: 3.26 (~Neutral-Agree)
Rating Average: 3.23 (~Neutral-Agree)
Section 7-Other Management Challenges Rating Average: 2.61 (~Disagree-Neutral)
Rating Average: 2.45 (~Disagree-Neutral)
Rating Average: 3.06 (~Neutral)
Rating Average: 3.26 (~Neutral-Agree) Rating Average: 3.26 (~Agree-Neutral)
Section 8-Genetic Research Rating Average: 3.49 (~Neutral-Agree)
Rating Average: 2.79 (~Disagree-Neutral)
Rating Average: 2.87 (~Neutral-Disagree)
Rating Average: 3.59 (~Agree-Neutral)
Rating Average: 2.45 (~Disagree-Neutral)
Rating Average: 3.30 (~Neutral-Agree)
Rating Average: 2.62 (~Neutral-Disagree)
Summary and Conclusion • There are many views and management approaches among the bison managers • Is No Continental Approach • Views are affected by Institutional mission and program • Planning around this issue is generally wanting • General agreement that genetics matter—but how they matter varies with manager • Concerns about diversity, lineage, and integrity are raised • Identified research and management needs