1. Our Wild Health In cooperation with: The Emma Barnsley Foundation John Deere The PEER Program at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences peer.tamu.edu

2. Your Instructor today: Dr. Alice Blue-McLendon Veterinarian at Texas A&M University, College of Veterinary Medicine Director of the Winnie Carter Wildlife Center I teach undergraduate and veterinary students One of the BEST parts of my job:Study Abroad trip to South Africa each summer for veterinary students

3. Want to know my favorite animal?

4. Wildlife Non-domesticated animals that are native to a country Live in an area naturally without being introduced by humans The MOST interesting of animals!

5. White-tailed Deer in Texas Huge populations! Hunting Breeding for improved genetics

6. Exotic Non-domestic species that are NOT native to that country A species living outside its native range, which has arrived there by human activity

7. Examples of Wildlife vs Exotic Animals 1.Elephants 2.White-tailed deer 3.House sparrow 4.Others

8. Human Benefit Environmental Health Seed Dispersal/Pollination Recreation Research Nutrient cycling

9. Human-Wildlife Conflict The interaction between wild animals and people and the resultant negative impact on people or their resources, or wild animals or their habitat.

10. Conflict Continued Crop/property damage Habitat destruction Injury/death Health hazards

11. Disease Transmission Concern for the transfer of diseases from wildlife to domestic animals Diseases that humans can get from wildlife (zoonotic diseases)

12. Wildlife as Pets Require specialized care Aggressive and unpredictable Captivity is stressful Zoonotic diseases

13. Keeping a wild animal in captivity does NOT make it a pet!

14. Wildlife and Research Prevent/treat zoonotic diseases Understanding natural biology Social behavior

15. Threats to Wildlife Health Human mistakes, such as oil spills Diseases Overpopulation of the animals Habitat destruction Others

16. Wildlife Conservation The science of analyzing and protecting the Earth’s biological diversity – Education, preservation of habitat and management of wildlife

17. Worldwide Concerns for Animal Populations Examples: Black and White Rhinos in Africa

20. Wildlife Preservation The strict setting aside of natural resources to prevent damage caused by contact with humans or by human activities

21. Do No Harm Leave it alone Preserve/provide habitat Contact an expert Education

22. You CAN make a difference! Mahatma Ghandi said: “you must be the change you wish to see in the world”. Conserve resources: use less energy, recycle, repurpose Protect wildlife habitats CARE about the creatures that share this lovely planet with you!

23. Winnie Carter Wildlife Center A teaching and research facility for introducing students to the management, handling, behavior and veterinary care of exotic and wildlife species Please “like” our Facebook page

25. Questions?