wildlife conservation
Quick Summary
Wildlife conservation is the practice of protecting Earth's biodiversity and natural resources. This involves efforts to prevent species extinction and maintain healthy ecosystems. Key threats to wildlife include habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species.123
Conservation strategies include protecting large enough habitats for viable populations, restoring damaged ecosystems, and implementing laws to prevent illegal hunting and trade. For example, the Endangered Species Act in the United States protects species like the bald eagle. International agreements also play a role, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.14
Efforts also focus on species-specific interventions, such as reintroducing populations or removing invasive species. Protecting endangered animals like rhinos involves significant costs to deter poaching. In India, numerous individuals have dedicated themselves to conservation, from protecting forests and rivers to saving species like tigers and storks.245
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bison…American and Canadian cattlemen and conservationists resulted in the protection of the remaining animals in government preserves, zoos, and ranches on both sides of the border. The present commercial herds now total as many as 400,000 individuals. Some 31,000 bison are part of conservation herds made up of 20,000 plains…
Read More…American and Canadian cattlemen and conservationists resulted in the protection of the remaining animals in government preserves, zoos, and ranches on both sides of the border. The present commercial herds now total as many as 400,000 individuals. Some 31,000 bison are part of conservation herds made up of 20,000 plains…
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zooFunction and purposeMany threatened species have been saved by breeding in captivity. For example, in 1947 it was estimated that there were only 50 nenes, or Hawaiian geese, left on Hawaii and none anywhere else in the world. In 1950 two nenes were housed at the Wildfowl Trust at Slimbridge, England, and…
Read MoreMany threatened species have been saved by breeding in captivity. For example, in 1947 it was estimated that there were only 50 nenes, or Hawaiian geese, left on Hawaii and none anywhere else in the world. In 1950 two nenes were housed at the Wildfowl Trust at Slimbridge, England, and…
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huntingGame management…extinction being a concern of conservationists, hunting was no longer feasible in some places.
Read More…extinction being a concern of conservationists, hunting was no longer feasible in some places.
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primateHistorical background of primate studies…has raised important problems of conservation of primate stocks in the wild, and exportation of monkeys is no longer permitted from many countries. Other research fields depending upon observation and experimentation with nonhuman primates include those of endocrinology, neurology, psychology, and sociology. As a result of such studies, much is…
Read More…has raised important problems of conservation of primate stocks in the wild, and exportation of monkeys is no longer permitted from many countries. Other research fields depending upon observation and experimentation with nonhuman primates include those of endocrinology, neurology, psychology, and sociology. As a result of such studies, much is…
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anseriformImportance to humans…for international agreement on their conservation is paramount.
Read More…for international agreement on their conservation is paramount.
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white sharkConservationThe white shark has been classified as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) since 1996. Its wide distribution throughout many areas of the ocean has made comprehensive population surveys difficult; however, catch-rate data collected by fishery officials worldwide…
Read MoreThe white shark has been classified as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) since 1996. Its wide distribution throughout many areas of the ocean has made comprehensive population surveys difficult; however, catch-rate data collected by fishery officials worldwide…
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AfricaConservation of AfricaMany countries have now set aside large tracts as national parks, game reserves, or forest reserves. Of these parks, only some are large enough to be self-contained ecosystems, and most have been set aside to accommodate large mammals. In East Africa there are…
Read MoreMany countries have now set aside large tracts as national parks, game reserves, or forest reserves. Of these parks, only some are large enough to be self-contained ecosystems, and most have been set aside to accommodate large mammals. In East Africa there are…
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EthiopiaPlant and animal lifeIn order to protect remaining species, the government has set aside 20 national parks, game reserves, and sanctuaries covering a total area of 21,320 square miles (55,220 square km)—about 5 percent of the total area of Ethiopia. Simien Mountains National Park, home to several endangered species, was designated…
Read MoreIn order to protect remaining species, the government has set aside 20 national parks, game reserves, and sanctuaries covering a total area of 21,320 square miles (55,220 square km)—about 5 percent of the total area of Ethiopia. Simien Mountains National Park, home to several endangered species, was designated…
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Papua New GuineaPlant and animal life…the government has established several conservation and protection measures. The export of birds-of-paradise is banned, and hunters thereof are restricted to the use of traditional weapons. Similarly, the export of many other birds and butterflies and of crocodile skins is strictly regulated. Other policies encourage the controlled expansion of selected…
Read More…the government has established several conservation and protection measures. The export of birds-of-paradise is banned, and hunters thereof are restricted to the use of traditional weapons. Similarly, the export of many other birds and butterflies and of crocodile skins is strictly regulated. Other policies encourage the controlled expansion of selected…
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South AmericaHuman influences on wildlifeOverhunting and habitat destruction have seriously depleted populations of wild animals in much of South America. Almost all wild species are less abundant than they were before the mid-20th century, and some are threatened with extinction. Laws designed to protect wildlife frequently are not…
Read MoreOverhunting and habitat destruction have seriously depleted populations of wild animals in much of South America. Almost all wild species are less abundant than they were before the mid-20th century, and some are threatened with extinction. Laws designed to protect wildlife frequently are not…
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