In 1830, in North America prairies, more than 40-60 millions of bisons were running up and down. Later, as a part of tactics of American Army in a fight against rebellious Indians, their great killing started. The hunters, who killed a bison, were awarded with their meat, and moreover, they got a bonus. However, in 1898, only one thousand of such ancient animals remained. Some of them lived in Yellowstone National Park, some in North Alberta and 709 animals lived in one farm in Montana. However, many Indian tribes, which were robbed their main source of food, did not survived. In 1906, Canadian Government bought prairie buffalo breeding herd in Montana, and placed it in Alberta Province, inside area of today´s Wood Buffalo National Park. Prairie buffalos were mixed with local forest buffalos. This fact meant an end of pure tribes of both buffalo sorts. Later, within 1960-1965, there was discovered, by chance, inside distant part of the park, small herd of forest buffalos. The animals were transferred into Elk Island National Park, and they started to be reproduced there.

Wood Buffalo National Park, established in 1922 for buffalos´ protection only, has the extent of more than 40000 square kilometres. At present, local countryside is running through freely the biggest buffalo herd of the world, containing approx. 5000 animals. This park, the distances of which seem to be endless, has so remote position, that not many visitors are able to arrive there. It is displayed in three various countrysides, and each of them is presenting with its unique nature wonder. Along south and west border, in an altitude of 500 metres above sea level, Caribou and Birch Table Lands are situated. Numerous rivers washed out in its soft basins deep and long ravines. Inside unbreakable corners, countless number of ancient plants are to be found. So, these table lands are covered with typical polar countryside, overgrown with coniferous trees and lichens.

Alberta Table Land is the biggest, forming a part of Canadian Peak, having its end at Slave River, changing afterwards into wide plainland. The springs, coming out the surface in this slope, contain big quantity of mineral salts, changing into salt crystals during dry periods, have an extent of 250 square kilometres. Inside such unique nature saltworks, many salt-loving plants were placed, which are to be found along sea coasts only. This table land is a great wilderness with vast forests, powerful meandering (winding) rivers and huge number of lakes and swamps. To tell the truth, it is karst area, where numerous underground rivers scooped out many caves below the surface. When the ceiling of such cave falls down, the abysses in form of bowl are created, with small lake on its bottom. The fish, living in such lakes, arrived there throughout many subterranean river beds.

In south-east part of the park, around Claire Lake, there is to be found the biggest fresh-air inland delta of the earth. The rivers of Peace, Athabasca, Slave and Birch have there its confluence. The mud, brought there by means of there rivers, forms an area of 4800 square kilometres, containing flat lakes, mash areas, meadows and forests. This delta is an ideal breeding place for millions of water birds and a place for fish milting. Just here, there is to be found last breeding places for white-pine cranes, who are nearly at the beginning of dieing out. With its height of 1,5 metres, these are the biggest birds of North America. Their feathers are white, only on wings´ tops, head and legs, black spots could be found. Whereas in 1941, only 15 birds lived there, now, nearly 200 young broods of these majestic birds are born in the park. When looking for the food, the birds prefer frequently salted table lands in the north part of the park, and the birds could be watched. just here. Anyway, in winter time period, they transfer to the south, towards Texas coast. On the other hand, such flight is quite difficult for them, and many birds are unable to survive it.

The people settled this park area probably 9000 years ago. As a prove, this fact is confirmed with numerous flint instruments from this tome period. In Peace Point, typical dwelling place of original inhabitants, inside the park, five families are living there, using their traditional way of life. Their subsistence is secured by means of fishing, hunting and traps´ putting.

Text: Denisa Arvajová

Translation: ing. Jan Jonáš

Photo: Picasaweb.com