Concept 3 Envirothon

What is the Public Trust Doctrine of 1842?

Conceptualized that natural resources are important in the lives of people, and that the public should have the opportunity to access these resources.

What are the seven principles of the North American Model of Wildlife Management?

1. Wildlife resources are a public trust. 2. Markets for game are eliminated. 3. Allocation of wildlife is by law. 4. Wildlife can be killed only for a legitimate purpose. 5. Wildlife is considered an international resource. 6. Science is the proper tool to discharge wildlife policy. 7. Democracy of hunting is standard.

What does habitat fragmentation refer to?

The breaking up of habitat into smaller areas.

Which species are notably affected by habitat fragmentation?

Large mammals, especially large carnivores, and specialists.

How are many states addressing habitat fragmentation?

By acquiring and conserving large tracts of habitat.

What strategy has been successful for wildlife managers in managing habitat fragmentation?

Providing corridors, which are undisturbed strips of land that connect sections of the animals’ habitat.

What is the most serious threat to birds today?

Habitat destruction.

How does bioaccumulation affect individual organisms?

It is the buildup of a toxic chemical in the tissues of a single individual to a harmful level.

What is an example of bioaccumulation?

Ingestion of microplastics.

What does biomagnification refer to?

The result of chemicals transferring from lower trophic levels to higher trophic levels within a food web.

What pesticide is known for causing biomagnification?

DDT.

What significant work by Rachel Carson addressed environmental issues?

‘Silent Spring’.

Why is hunting with lead shot over water prohibited?

Because lead from the shot enters the food web.

What is the difference between conservation and preservation?

Conservation means the wise use of a natural resource, while preservation means non-use of that resource.

What is an example of conservation?

A National Forest, which is carefully maintained as a timber resource.

What is an example of preservation?

A National Park.

What are the important principles of wise wildlife management by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission?

1. Wildlife management must be based on biological data. 2. Management must include management of humans. 3. Management means conservation, not preservation. 4. Management must benefit the entire biota.

What are Food Plots or Wildlife Openings?

Cleared areas of forest that are planted with grasses and/or native plants to meet food and cover needs of wildlife.

What are Buffer Strips?

Strips of permanent vegetation in or around edges of fields, particularly near streams or rivers.

What are Filter Strips?

Grass or other vegetation to trap sediment and pollutants before they reach waterways.

What is the purpose of Corridors in wildlife management?

They allow wildlife to move from one area of habitat to another.

What are Streamside Management Zones (SMZ)?

Buffer strips of vegetation along streams or around water bodies to protect water quality.

What are Riparian Areas?

Areas of vegetation along streams that help remove pollutants and provide corridors, cover, and food for wildlife.

What do Maintaining Edges practices involve?

Creating irregular shaped cuts in harvesting, planting hedgerows, or landscaping for wildlife.

What progress has been made in improving wildlife habitat?

Selective cutting, multiage stands, and reforesting practices have been implemented.

What is the Conservation Reserve Program?

A program that supports farmers in conserving soil and water resources for wildlife.

What is habitat restoration?

A common form of habitat management involving efforts to restore ecological integrity.

What is conservation landscaping?

Planting a variety of native vegetation and providing habitats for wildlife.

What are the two general ways to manage overabundant wildlife populations?

1. Direct manipulation (stocking, sterilization, hunting). 2. Indirect manipulation (habitat changes).

What are some tools used by wildlife biologists to monitor populations?

Observation, remote camera stations, radio telemetry, cover boards, nesting boxes, mist nets, and Sherman live traps.

What is the mark-recapture method?

A technique used to estimate the abundance and density of wildlife populations.

What does sustained yield refer to in game management?

The continued yield of a resource by periodic harvesting.

What is the Pittman-Robertson Act?

A 1937 act that provides funds for wildlife study, habitat restoration, and education through an excise tax on hunting equipment.

What is the Dingell-Johnson Act?

A 1951 act that provides funds for fisheries restoration and management.

What does the Duck Stamp Act support?

Management of wetlands for waterfowl and other wildlife.

Which animal populations were historically affected by hunting in North Carolina?

Elk, bison, gray wolf, beaver, and eastern cougar.

What measures have been taken to reintroduce wildlife populations in North Carolina?

Measures for beaver, red wolf, elk populations, and increasing bear and white-tailed deer populations.

What is required for every hunter in North Carolina?

To take a hunter safety and education course and have a valid hunting or fishing license.

What disease is transmitted to humans by warm-blooded mammals?

Rabies.

What disease affects white-tailed deer and elk populations in North Carolina?

Hemorrhagic disease.

What is Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)?

A fatal neurological disease affecting cervids; detected in North Carolina in March 2022.

What is the Chytrid fungus?

A disease affecting amphibians, responsible for salamander declines in North Carolina.

What do Rana viruses impact?

Amphibians, fish, and reptiles, causing inflammation.

What management steps are recommended to prevent disease transmission?

Disinfecting equipment, not relocating wild animals, and not releasing captive animals.

What is white nose syndrome?

A fungal infection affecting hibernating bats, causing them to leave hibernation early.

What is a significant impact of habitat destruction?

The loss of vital habitats for birds and other animals.

How does the North American Model of Wildlife Management view wildlife?

As a public trust resource.

What is one major challenge facing wildlife management today?

Balancing scientific policy making with public input.

What is the impact of habitat fragmentation on large mammals?

It reduces their range and availability of resources.

What is the effect of habitat corridors?

They help connect fragmented habitats for animal movement.

What are microplastics an example of in terms of environmental impact?

Bioaccumulation.

How does DDT illustrate biomagnification?

It accumulates in higher concentrations at each trophic level.

What is the key difference between conservation and preservation?

Conservation involves managed use; preservation is non-use.

What is a significant method of determining wildlife population density?

Mark-recapture studies.

What is a common example of a technique used in wildlife management?

Installation of nesting boxes.

How can human activities affect wildlife populations?

They influence habitat availability and food resources.

What role does public awareness play in wildlife management today?

Public input is increasingly influencing policies and practices.

What kind of regulations were established in response to Chronic Wasting Disease in NC?

CWD Surveillance Areas with special regulations.

How does habitat conservation benefit biodiversity?

It helps to protect and enhance diverse plant and animal species.

What are practices used to manage edges in habitats?

Creating irregular cuts in forests and planting hedgerows.

What benefit does selective cutting provide in forestry?

It enhances habitat for wildlife.

What are the potential consequences of an overabundant wildlife population?

Increased human-wildlife conflicts, disease spread, and habitat degradation.

What are riparian buffers used for?

They help filter pollutants before they enter waterways.

What impact does the Conservation Reserve Program have on wildlife habitats?

It helps create edges and ecosystems meeting habitat requirements.

What is the function of a cover board in wildlife monitoring?

To provide habitat for amphibians and reptiles.

What was the primary goal of the Pittman-Robertson Act?

To provide funding for wildlife research and conservation.

Which disease is known for affecting hibernating bats?

White nose syndrome.

What is the role of streamside management zones (SMZ)?

To protect water quality along streams and lakes.

What is a potential challenge with captive wildlife industries?

They change the perception of wildlife as a public resource.

How has the concept of wildlife management evolved recently?

There is more emphasis on biodiversity and public engagement.

What is essential for maintaining game populations sustainably?

Periodic harvesting and management of resources.

What does science provide in wildlife policy development?

Evidence-based guidelines for effective management.

How does environmental legislation support wildlife management?

By funding habitat restoration and conservation projects.

What are some common techniques used in conservation landscaping?

Planting native vegetation and creating water features.

Why is it necessary to monitor wildlife populations?

To track health, abundance, and management effectiveness.

What is the importance of democracy in hunting as per the North American Model?

It promotes equal access and rights in wildlife use.

What is a significant environmental issue mentioned that affects amphibians?

Chytrid fungus.

What key aspect is managed alongside wildlife for effective management?

Human activities and their impacts.

What role do ecological restoration efforts play?

They rebuild healthy ecosystems for wildlife.

What defines the successful management of wildlife habitats?

The integration of biodiversity conservation and public engagement.

What is a marked recapture study used for?

Estimating wildlife population size and density.

What is a vital factor for wildlife managers when developing policies today?

Stakeholder involvement and public input.

What is the purpose of habitat restoration in wildlife management?

To reestablish ecosystems that support diverse wildlife.

What is a key focus in modern wildlife management?

Enhancing and conserving biodiversity for all species.

What can lead to an increase in wildlife-related diseases?

Overabundant populations in stressed ecosystems.

What role does education play for hunters in North Carolina?

It ensures safety and awareness regarding wildlife management.