Badlands (Full Episode) | America's National Parks

National Geographic・2 minutes read

Badlands National Park is a crucial habitat for various wildlife, including bison, prairie dogs, bighorn sheep, and burrowing owls, all playing essential roles in the ecosystem. The park's annual bison rut and other natural events attract tourists, highlighting the deep connection between the park's diverse wildlife and its ancient landscape.

Insights

  • The Badlands National Park in South Dakota is not only home to the American bison, the largest mammal in the country, but also hosts the annual rut of these majestic creatures, showcasing a significant event in the natural world.
  • Female black-tailed prairie dogs living in family groups called coteries play a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem of Badlands National Park by creating an alarm system through complex calls to alert each other of threats, highlighting the intricate interconnectedness of wildlife within the park.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • What is the significance of the American bison in Badlands National Park?

    The American bison in Badlands National Park holds immense importance as the largest mammal in the country, weighing up to 2,000 pounds. The park hosts the annual rut of the bison, a crucial event in the natural world. The reigning champion bison, a big, old bull, loses his crown but takes a year to regain strength for another chance to breed. These majestic creatures play a vital role in the ecosystem and are a symbol of resilience and strength in the park.

  • How do prairie dogs contribute to the ecosystem in Badlands National Park?

    Prairie dogs in Badlands National Park are essential for maintaining the ecosystem. Female black-tailed prairie dogs live in family groups called coteries and create an alarm system with complex calls to alert each other of threats like coyotes. They also provide nutrients to the grasslands, benefiting bison and other wildlife. During pupping season, curious pups emerge, and family feuds can erupt, showcasing the protective nature of prairie dog moms and the intricate dynamics within their community.

  • What role do bighorn sheep play in the ecosystem of Badlands National Park?

    Bighorn sheep thrive in Badlands National Park, with around 250 individuals finding sanctuary in the area. These majestic creatures engage in dance competitions to win mating opportunities, contributing to the biodiversity of the park. The lambs learn to climb treacherous terrain shortly after birth, showcasing their adaptability and resilience in the rugged landscape. The presence of bighorn sheep adds to the rich tapestry of wildlife in the park and highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect their habitat.

  • How do love bugs contribute to the ecosystem of Badlands National Park?

    Love bugs, with their unique nesting habits, play a crucial role in the ecosystem of Badlands National Park. They create tunnels in their new home, with a lower chamber holding an egg for offspring survival through winter. These insects contribute to the biodiversity of the park and showcase the interconnectedness of different species within the ecosystem. Their presence adds to the intricate web of life in the park and underscores the importance of preserving their habitat for the overall health of the environment.

  • What is the cultural significance of the Oglala Lakota tribe in Badlands National Park?

    The Oglala Lakota tribe has a deep connection to Badlands National Park, with a history of inhabiting the area for over 12,000 years. The park's landscape holds cultural significance for the tribe, and their presence underscores the importance of preserving the land for future generations. The Oglala Lakota tribe's heritage is intertwined with the natural beauty of the park, highlighting the importance of indigenous perspectives in conservation efforts and the need to respect and honor their traditions and connection to the land.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

"Badlands National Park: Bison, Bighorns, and Grasslands"

  • Badlands National Park is home to the American bison, the largest mammal in the country, weighing 2,000 pounds.
  • The park hosts the annual rut of the American bison, a significant event in the natural world.
  • The reigning champion bison, a big, old bull, loses his crown, needing a year to regain his strength for another chance to breed.
  • The Badlands National Park in South Dakota spans 244,000 acres, divided into the rocky Badlands and an ancient sea of grass.
  • The park has a deep connection to the Oglala Lakota tribe and has been inhabited for over 12,000 years.
  • Female black-tailed prairie dogs live in family groups called coteries and play a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem.
  • Prairie dogs create an alarm system with complex calls to alert each other of threats like coyotes.
  • Bighorn sheep thrive in the Badlands, with lambs learning to climb treacherous terrain shortly after birth.
  • The park is a sanctuary for around 250 bighorns, with males engaging in dance competitions to win mating opportunities.
  • The grasslands in Badlands National Park are rich in nutrients due to the presence of prairie dogs, benefiting bison and other wildlife.

25:39

Wildlife dramas in Badlands National Park

  • Love bugs create tunnels in their new home, with a lower chamber holding an egg for offspring survival through winter.
  • Badlands National Park attracts close to a million tourists yearly for hiking, sightseeing, and camping.
  • Pupping season in the prairie dog town sees curious pups emerging, with moms introducing them to the outside world.
  • Family feud erupts among prairie dogs, leading to a turf war and serious injuries, emphasizing the protective nature of moms.
  • Burrowing owls face challenges feeding multiple chicks, with late-hatching chicks struggling to survive but finding plenty to eat in the prairie dog town.
  • Old bison returns to the park, supported by Badlands National Park and prairie dogs, to participate in the epic rut and potentially leave a dynasty.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.