USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -When the Transcontinental Railroad was completed in 1869, it accelerated the decimation of the species and by 1900, naturalists estimated less than 1, 000 bison remained. By the late 1880s, the endless herds of bison were wiped out and just a few hundred individuals remained.

Detailed explanation-2: -Connecting the two American coasts made the economic export of Western resources to Eastern markets easier than ever before. The railroad also facilitated westward expansion, escalating conflicts between Native American tribes and settlers who now had easier access to new territories.

Detailed explanation-3: -Though the terms are often used interchangeably, buffalo and bison are distinct animals. Old World “true” buffalo (Cape buffalo and water buffalo) are native to Africa and Asia. Bison are found in North America and Europe. Both bison and buffalo are in the bovidae family, but the two are not closely related.

Detailed explanation-4: -Once roaming in vast herds, the species nearly became extinct by a combination of commercial hunting and slaughter in the 19th century and introduction of bovine diseases from domestic cattle. With a population in excess of 60 million in the late 18th century, the species was culled down to just 541 animals by 1889.

Detailed explanation-5: -American military commanders ordered troops to kill buffalo to deny Native Americans an important source of food. In 1905, zoologist William Hornaday formed the American Bison Society to re-create more wild herds.