Wildlife Management

Endangerment vs. Extinction Extinct –a species that has disappeared from the Earth –due to food shortages, pollution, destruction of habitat or failure to reproduce Endangerment –any threat to wildlife species that would lead to its extinction –An endangered species is one that is in immediate danger of extinction.

Threatened vs. Rare Threatened species –low population numbers and may become endangered –not in immediate danger of becoming extinct Rare species –exists in small numbers –If not managed well a rare species may become threatened.

Reasons for endangerment and extinction –Pollution –Destruction of Habitat –Urban sprawl (the expanding of towns and cities) –Introduction of new exotic species –Overexploitation –Failure to reproduce –Food shortages

Native vs. Exotic Native species –plants and animals that are part of a specific geographic area and have been part of the biological landscape for a long period of time Exotic species –introduced by humans

How do exotic species effect wildlife? Harmful –Prey on natural species –Compete for food –Brings new diseases the natural species cannot deal with Helpful –Introduce new genetics –Help fight diseases –Help reduce overpopulation

What is exploitation? A species may become endangered due to the rate in which the species is being used. –Picture the unrestricted harvest of whales during the early and middle parts of the 20 th century. –This lead to restrictions and laws on whaling.

What can we do? –Repopulation of wildlife. –Reintroduction of wildlife into their natural habitat. –Plant additional food sources. –Construct safe environments where they can breed and give birth. –Manage the use of chemicals. –Move the animals to less polluted, less populated areas.

Why Save Endangered Species? A slow growing tree found in the ancient forest of the Pacific Northwest, once considered a trash tree, was recently identified as a promising treatment for ovarian and breast cancers. Digitalis is a drug derived from the purple foxglove, it’s used to treat heart disease.

Why Save Endangered Species? In the 1970’s genetic material from a wild corn species in Mexico was used to stop a leaf fungus that had previously wiped out 15% of the U.S. corn crop.

Why Save Endangered Species? Commercial and recreational salmon fishing in the Pacific Northwest provides 60,000 jobs and $1 billion dollars annually and is the center of Pacific Northwest Native American culture. This industry is in trouble as salmon decline due to habitat degration from dams, clear cutting, and overgrazing along streams.

Facts about endangered species More than one and one half million species exist on the earth today. There are more than 1,000 animal species endangered worldwide.

Facts about endangered species In the U.S., 735 species of plants, 496 species of animals are listed as threatened or endangered. 266 of these listed species have recovery plans under development.

What are some “Endangered Species” organizations? National Audubon Society’s Endangered Species Campaign Endangered Species Program-U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services National Wildlife Federation World Conservation Monitoring Centre Wildlife Conservation Society

What can you do? Suppose your expensive, newly planted trees are being eaten by an endanagered species of birds. You can not kill the birds because that would be illegal. You have contacted the local fish and wildlife agency, but they are busy and can’t address your situation for at least two to three weeks. What can you do?