What critical environmental challenge did the Alaskan reintroduction of wood bison face due to unique winter conditions?

Answer

Heavy snows coupled with rain-on-snow events creating impenetrable ice layers.

While the wood bison evolved adaptations, specifically the forward-set hump and snow-plowing behavior, designed to handle deep, soft snowpack, the environment in the Alaskan reintroduction site presented a different type of winter obstacle. Early monitoring revealed that when heavy snowfalls were followed by rain-on-snow events, impenetrable layers of ice formed on the ground. This ice layer prevented the bison from sweeping through to reach the grasses and sedges beneath, directly thwarting the specialized foraging technique they evolved for Canadian deep snow. Surviving these chronic icing events is noted as a core measure of long-term viability for the Lower Yukon/Innoko Rivers Herd.

What critical environmental challenge did the Alaskan reintroduction of wood bison face due to unique winter conditions?

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mammalwildlifeNorth Americaherbivorebison