Bison can, and usually will, significantly influence habitat and biological diversity, and bison are generally regarded as a foundation species and ecosystem engineers. This is especially true for ecosystems where bison are relatively abundant and range over large areas. Modern, small-horned bison have a long history as an integral part of two major ecosystems: the North American Great Plains (plains bison) and the sedge-meadow ecosystems of northern Canada and Alaska (wood bison).

Bison can profoundly affect ecosystem trophic structures, bio-geochemical cycling, species composition, and patterns of species diversity. Decisions on active bison management require knowledge of productivity, stocking rates, and movement patterns. To enhance and conserve regional biological diversity, bison managers will need to consider local and regional issues, cultural and economic issues, and land use patterns.

Hornaday (1889) described a highly nomadic foraging strategy, where plains bison seemed to wander somewhat aimlessly until they located favourable grazing conditions. Bison then grazed until a need for water motivated further movement. More recent studies of bison foraging have shown that they actively select more nutritious forages, and forage in a highly efficient manner that satisfies their nutritional needs and that frequently compliments diet selection by sympatric herbivores.

Bison have a high intrinsic reproductive rate and bison herds generally grow rapidly. Therefore, when resources are limited, bison herds often exceed the carrying capacity of their environment and begin to have negative impacts on other grazers and native plant species.

Managers must carefully evaluate their goals and the specific situation to achieve the best outcome.