Bison affected grasslands through grazing, trampling, wallowing, migration, and nutrient redistribution.
Dung as ecosystem resource
Fresh dung supported insects, microbes, and nutrient cycling before some dried pieces were gathered.
Human relationship
Fuel use was only one small part of the broader significance of bison.
Frequently asked questions
What does bodewash mean?
Dried buffalo or cow dung used as fuel.
Is it the same as buffalo chips?
The terms can overlap, though buffalo chips is more familiar.
Where did the word come from?
It developed from American French bois de vache.
Why did people burn dung?
Because wood was scarce or costly to transport.
Did only settlers use it?
No. Indigenous and pastoral communities had longstanding fuel knowledge.
Is indoor burning safe?
Solid-fuel smoke can harm health; this site documents history rather than recommending use.