Bison are roaming northern Mexico again after nearly 200 years. Conservationists have reintroduced 48 bison to the El Santuario Reserve in Coahuila. The project is led by the Fundacion Pro Cuatrocienegas.

The first bison arrived in 2025. The herd has already grown, with new calves born in the reserve. Bison are seen as ecosystem engineers.

Their hooves break up hard soil. This helps water and seeds reach the ground. Their fur carries seeds across the land.

Their dung feeds the soil. Camera traps have recorded pumas, lynxes, and peccaries in areas where they had not been seen for years. Birds are using shed bison fur to build nests.

The Chihuahuan Desert reserve is a UNESCO-recognised site. It is home to gypsum dunes and rare blue pools. The bison return is part of a wider rewilding effort across northern Mexico.

The reserve is famous for gypsum dunes and rare blue pools. It is recognised by UNESCO for its natural value. The bison return began with an effort started in 2009 in Chihuahua.

That herd grew large enough to seed new populations.