Gerardo Ruiz Smith

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Mexico reintroduces bison to desert reserve, ecosystem begins recovering

As of September 2026: Leading the bison reintroduction; El Santuario herd grew to 54 with seven calves by September 2026

For roughly 160 years, American bison were absent from northern Mexico, hunted out by the late 1800s. In 2025, conservationists brought 47 back to El Santuario reserve in Coahuila; calves at both reintroduction sites show the herds are settling in.

Updated Sep 22

Notable Quotes

After [bison] were hunted to the point of extinction in this area around 200 years ago, the return of a key species to the region of Cuatrociénegas is a historic moment.

from Mexico reintroduces bison to desert reserve, ecosystem begins recovering · Updated Sep 22

They set about molding and regenerating their surroundings.

from Mexico reintroduces bison to desert reserve, ecosystem begins recovering · Updated Sep 22

Each bison that is born reinforces the return of this species to the country.

from Mexico reintroduces bison to desert reserve, ecosystem begins recovering · Updated Sep 22

Fundación Pro Cuatrociénegas, in alliance with the N'dee/N'nee/Ndé, opens the doors of the El Santuario Reserve to receive this herd, which will have ideal conditions to continue expanding the bison population in northern Mexico while regenerating ecosystems. We are honored to be part of this inter-institutional effort.

from Mexico reintroduces bison to desert reserve, ecosystem begins recovering · Updated Sep 22