Part One

A History of Neglect: How grasslands became the forgotten ecosystem of North America

The ecological biome that once claimed the greatest territory across the United States is now a vanishing treasure, dwindling in size with each passing day.

For many experts, the picture's clear: Grasslands have become North America's forgotten ecosystem.

Since the removal of Indigenous populations in the 1800s and their more gentle land management practices, North Americans have historically overlooked the significance of grasslands — seeing them as the equivalent to a blank slate — which equally provide as many ecological services as tree-dense rainforests and lively coral reefs, and are disappearing even quicker.

Part Two

‘The most imperiled ecosystem’: Grassland wildlife declining in West Texas, Great Plains

A reflection of the planet’s increasingly volatile climate and the enduring influence of industrial interests, North American grasslands find themselves at the epicenter of one of the most severe biodiversity crises on the planet.

Formerly a vibrant mosaic of life — teeming with migratory birds, diverse fauna herds and formidable predators — the Great Plains and its dwindling wildlife serve as a reminder of the delicate balance essential to sustain ecosystems while also supporting the success of industries necessary for the regional economy and human coexistence.

And experts say the crisis is only becoming more dire.

Sidebar

Bison decline contributed to dwindling prairie landscape on Great Plains

As the prairie landscape steadily vanishes, the root cause is often overshadowed by the spotlight on industrial practices, with experts pointing to agriculture and energy development as the primary driver.

But history shows the origins of this loss can be traced back centuries ago – and will be felt for centuries to come.