Characterizing the Genetic Population Structure of Wild Bison in Alberta, Canada

Alberta is home to two bison subspecies: introduced wood bison, located in Wood Buffalo National Park (WBNP), and native plains bison, found in the Hay Zama Protection Area. Wild bison occurring outside the Hay Zama Protection Area are assumed to have originated from WBNP. Since WBNP bison carry Bovine Tuberculosis and Brucellosis, bison originating from WBNP have been assumed to be diseased. However, recent disease surveillance shows two populations near WBNP that are disease-free, raising questions about their link to WBNP herds. To investigate ancestry and disease risks, researchers analyzed the genetics of 253 bison across all known populations in Alberta.

Results from comparative analyses identified seven distinct bison groups in Alberta: Harper Creek, Ronald Lake, Mackenzie Bison Sanctuary (MBS), Wood Buffalo National Park (WBNP), and Elk Island National Park (EINP woods bison and EINP plains bison). Alberta’s bison populations reflect complex genetic relationships shaped by historic mixing, with no peripheral herd maintaining “pure” wood bison lineage. The Harper Creek herd are genetically isolated from all other groups but genetically closest to EINP plains bison, with no disease detected, suggesting minimal transmission risk. In contrast, Ronald Lake bison are genetically similar yet differentiated from WBNP, showing no infection but potential exposure, while Wentzel Lake remains genetically connected to WBNP and is actively infected with Bovine Tuberculosis and Brucellosis, posing a significant risk.