By Scout Nelson
The Integrated Bison Mapping Project (IBMP) provides an interactive tool to help people understand how climate change and environmental conditions may affect bison across North America.
The project uses maps, climate projections, and scientific information to support long-term bison conservation and management. As climate conditions change, the tool helps users explore possible future challenges and consider ways to maintain healthy and strong bison herds.
Jeff Martin, Assistant Professor and SDSU Extension Bison Specialist, along with Bree A. Eastman of Montana State University; Alex B. Shupinski of South Dakota State University and the University of Oulu; and Rachel A. Short of South Dakota State University, contributed to the scientific work and expertise behind this project. Their work supports efforts to make climate information easier to understand and use in bison conservation planning.
Understanding the Integrated Bison Mapping Project
The IBMP StoryMap brings together information about past, current, and future conditions that may affect bison populations. It helps users explore changes in temperature, precipitation, and other environmental factors that influence where bison can live and thrive.
The project is designed for bison managers, Indigenous caretakers, conservation professionals, researchers, educators, students, and members of the public. It makes scientific information more accessible and helps users understand how climate change may affect bison management decisions.
The StoryMap also connects climate research with practical conservation needs. By exploring different climate scenarios, users can consider possible changes in bison habitats and prepare for future challenges.
How to Use the IBMP StoryMap?
Users can open the StoryMap and scroll through its pages to explore information, maps, and interactive features. Different sections provide details about historical bison distributions, expected climate changes, regional conditions, and conservation planning.
The StoryMap works on smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers. Four viewing options are available through a toolbar in the lower-right corner when supported by the device. However, the toolbar may not appear on every device, especially on larger screens.
A navigation bar at the top allows users to move between sections without scrolling through the entire resource. These sections include Introduction, Historical Understanding, What to Expect Next, Regional Climatic Shifts, Understanding Your Region, Discussion, and Extra Resources.
The Introduction section also includes links to the South Dakota State University Center of Excellence for Bison Studies and the INDIGENOUS LED website. These links help users learn more about the organizations and their work in bison conservation and stewardship.
Exploring Maps and Climate Information
Each map layer presents information about a different factor related to bison conservation. Users can explore historical conditions, projected temperature and precipitation changes, and other environmental factors that may influence future bison habitats.
The text beside each map explains what the information means and why it matters. Users can expand maps to full screen by selecting the Maximize Button in the upper-right corner. Once a map is expanded, they can zoom in, zoom out, move across the map, and select individual features to learn more.
A legend provides details about the selected map layer and explains the information being displayed. After exploring a map, users can select the Minimize Button to return to the main StoryMap page.
These features allow users to examine specific locations and better understand how environmental conditions may change across different regions.
Comparing Present and Future Conditions
The What to Expect Next section includes a Swipe feature that compares bison climate suitability maps for current conditions and the year 2100.
Users can move the slider from side to side to compare the maps and identify possible changes. They can also zoom in on areas of interest to examine local differences.
The StoryMap also includes a Map Tour that provides information about different regions across North America. States and provinces are grouped into regions that match the bison climate suitability maps. Users can select a regional name from the list or click a location marker on the map to view information about projected climate conditions and possible effects on bison.
The Extra Resources section provides additional articles, websites, videos, and references for users who want to learn more about climate change and bison conservation.
Understanding Climate Projections
The StoryMap uses climate scenarios and models from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to explore possible future conditions. Three important factors linked to ancient bison distributions are temperature variation, extreme heat, and winter moisture conditions.
These projections do not predict exact outcomes for individual locations. Instead, they help users understand possible changes and prepare for different conditions.
Other factors also influence bison health and habitat quality. These include plant growth, forage quality, water access, land ownership and management, fencing, and other physical barriers. Local knowledge and community priorities are also important when making conservation decisions.
Supporting Long-Term Bison Conservation
The IBMP StoryMap provides a starting point for discussions about climate adaptation and future bison stewardship. Users can identify possible regional climate changes and consider how these changes may affect water supplies, forage availability, infrastructure, diseases, and parasites.
This information can help managers and communities develop plans to support healthy and resilient bison herds. By combining scientific research with local knowledge and site-specific information, the project encourages better preparation for future environmental changes.
The Integrated Bison Mapping Project helps connect climate science with practical conservation planning. Its interactive maps and regional information give users a clearer understanding of potential challenges and support informed decisions about the future of bison across North America.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-mysticenergy
Categories: South Dakota, Livestock, Weather