Lecture 1-Jan8

Question 1

Ecology

Answer 1

– the study of interactions among organisms & their biophysical environment

Question 2

Wildlife –

Answer 2

undomesticated, non-introduced animals that live in the wild (not in captivity)

Question 3

Wildlife Management (early definition)

Answer 3

Defined by Aldo Leopold (seen as the progenitor of wildlife ecology, a conservationist, writer of The Sand County Almanac)
Wildlife Management – the art of making land produce sustained annual crops of wild game for recreational use

Question 4

Wildlife Management (modern definition)

Answer 4

Wildlife Management – the science of changing the characteristics and interactions of habitats, wild animal populations, and people to achieve specific human goals(still controversal) by means of the wildlife resource

Question 5

1. Discuss how our understanding of wildlife management has changed over time.

Answer 5

The understanding of wildlife management has evolved significantly over time. Here are some key points from the lecture slides of the “Wildlife Ecology and Management” course:

Early Definitions: Originally defined by Aldo Leopold, considered the progenitor of wildlife ecology, wildlife management was seen as the “art of making land produce sustained annual crops of wild game for recreational use”​​.

Modern Definitions: Today, wildlife management is regarded as the “science of changing the characteristics and interactions of habitats, wild animal populations, and people to achieve specific human goals by means of the wildlife resource”​​. This shows a shift from a purely utilitarian and recreational perspective to one that also encompasses ecological balance and conservation.

Objectives of Current Programs: Present-day wildlife management programs are primarily designed to either control or enhance the abundance or distribution of vertebrate animals. This often involves focusing on vegetation within habitats to ensure that wildlife is seen as a renewable resource, provided it is managed properly​​.

Agencies and Services: In Canada, the Canadian Wildlife Service is managed by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, while in the USA, the Fish and Wildlife Service operates as a single entity. This reflects different approaches to wildlife management at a governmental level​​.

People and Wildlife Management: A poignant statement made in the lecture notes is that “wildlife conservation is 90% people management and 10% wildlife management”​​. This underscores the importance of human behavior and societal values in conservation efforts.

Course Development and History: The course content has been developed and taught by various experts over the years, suggesting that the field is dynamic and continually incorporating new research and methodologies​​.

The changes in definitions and approaches to wildlife management reflect a broader understanding of the ecological implications of managing wildlife populations and habitats. The emphasis has shifted from management for human use to management that balances human needs with ecological sustainability and conservation.