Studied by 7 people
What is the North American Model for Wildlife Conservation
It is a model responsible for the diversity and conservation of wildlife in North America, based on seven key principles:
wildlife as a public trust resource
elimination of commerce in dead wildlife
allocation of wildlife use through law
opportunity for all
legitimate use of wildlife only
wildlife as an international resource
and the role of science as a basis for wildlife policy.
Who was Aldo Leopold, and why is he significant in wildlife management
Aldo Leopold was a key figure in wildlife management, known for his book A Sand County Almanac and his work in establishing scientific wildlife management principles. He is remembered for integrating philosophical and ecological views on conservation.
What is the primary focus of wildlife management
Wildlife management focuses on managing people as much as, if not more than, wildlife to ensure sustainable populations and habitats.
What is carrying capacity
Carrying capacity is the maximum population of a species that an environment can support sustainably.
What led to the extinction of the passenger pigeon
The extinction was caused by habitat loss, overhunting, and market hunting, coupled with their social breeding habits.
Why is hunting considered a legitimate wildlife management tool
Hunting helps control populations, provides funding for conservation through licenses and taxes, and supports sustainable use of wildlife resources.
What did the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 accomplish
It regulated the hunting and harvesting of migratory birds, protecting them from overexploitation.
Who is known as the founder of the U.S. Forest Service
Gifford Pinchot, who emphasized "wise use" and conservation of natural resources.
What are some key legislation acts that support wildlife conservation
The Lacey Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Duck Stamp Act (1934), Pittman-Robertson Act (1937), and Dingle-Johnson Act (1950).
What does the Pittman-Robertson Act do
It imposes an excise tax on hunting equipment, with the funds directed to wildlife conservation.
What is the difference between conservation and preservation
Conservation involves the sustainable use and management of natural resources, while preservation aims to protect nature from human use.
What are the three key essentials for wildlife and humans
Food, water, and shelter.
What is the role of hunters and anglers in wildlife conservation
They fund conservation through licenses, equipment taxes, and direct advocacy for sustainable management practices.
What is the significance of Aldo Leopold's A Sand County Almanac
It inspired an ecological and philosophical approach to conservation and emphasized the importance of a land ethic.
How do invasive species affect ecosystems
They outcompete native species, disrupt food chains, and alter habitats, often leading to declines in biodiversity.
What is the concept of "sustainable yield"
Sustainable yield refers to the maximum level at which a natural resource can be used without depleting it over time.
What was the purpose of the Soil Conservation Service established in 1935
To combat soil erosion and promote sustainable farming practices.
Why are wetlands important for wildlife
They provide critical habitats, water filtration, flood control, and breeding grounds for numerous species.
What is the role of fire in rangeland ecosystems
Fire maintains grassland health by removing old growth, encouraging new plant growth, and managing invasive species.
20: What is the significance of the Endangered Species Act of 1973
A20: It provides legal protection to species at risk of extinction and their habitats.
21: How do predators influence prey populations
A21: Predators regulate prey populations, often culling the weak or sick, which can lead to healthier prey populations and balanced ecosystems.
What is "non-frivolous use" or “legitimate use” in the context of the North American Model
Wildlife may only be used for legitimate purposes, such as food, fur, or conservation, not for wasteful or exploitative reasons.
23: What is the role of ecological economics in predator-prey dynamics
A23: It evaluates the costs and benefits of predator and prey interactions, including energy use and impact on ecosystems.
24: What are the primary causes of wildlife extinction historically
A24: Habitat loss, overexploitation, invasive species, and highly specialized species' vulnerabilities.
25: What are some examples of species that were hunted to near extinction
A25: The passenger pigeon, American bison, and Carolina parakeet.
26: What is the relationship between squirrels and oaks
A26: Squirrels disperse acorns, aiding oak reproduction, while oaks provide food for squirrels through acorns.
27: What is "masting" in oaks
A27: Masting is the phenomenon where oaks produce large numbers of acorns in some years and very few in others, which helps them avoid constant predation.
28: Why is predator control often controversial in wildlife management
A28: It raises ethical concerns, may disrupt ecosystems, and sometimes relies more on public perception than science.
29: What is the principle of "public trust" in wildlife conservation
A29: Wildlife is held in trust by the government for the benefit of current and future generations.
30: How did Teddy Roosevelt contribute to conservation
A30: He established numerous National Parks, Wildlife Refuges, and conservation policies.
31: What is the role of habitat management in wildlife conservation
A31: It ensures the availability of food, water, and shelter, and maintains the ecological balance needed for species survival.
32: What is the significance of the "Duck Stamp"
A32: Funds from the sale of Duck Stamps support wetland conservation, benefiting waterfowl and other wildlife.
How do human activities impact carrying capacity
Urbanization, pollution, and habitat destruction lower carrying capacity, while conservation efforts can increase it.
What is compensatory mortality
It occurs when one cause of mortality replaces another, resulting in no net increase in total deaths.
What is the difference between additive and compensatory mortality
Additive mortality increases total deaths, while compensatory mortality replaces other causes, keeping total deaths stable.
36: Why are invasive species like feral swine problematic
A36: They destroy habitats, compete with native species, and can spread diseases.
37: What are some key goals of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
A37: To restore habitats, reduce soil erosion, and improve water quality through land set-aside agreements.
38: What is "over-abundance" in wildlife populations, and why is it an issue
A38: Over-abundance occurs when populations exceed carrying capacity, leading to habitat degradation and resource depletion.
39: What are Leopold's five factors for predator-prey interactions
A39: Prey density, predator density, prey characteristics, availability of alternate foods, and predator characteristics.
40: What are buffer foods
A40: Secondary food sources predators or prey switch to when primary resources are scarce.
What is the significance of Yellowstone's wolf reintroduction
It restored ecological balance, increased biodiversity, and improved habitat health through predator-prey dynamics.
42: What is the difference between red oaks and white oaks
A42: Red oaks have higher tannin levels, take two years to mature acorns, and germinate in spring, while white oaks have lower tannin levels, mature in one year, and germinate in fall.
What are some consequences of urbanization on wildlife
Habitat fragmentation, increased human-wildlife conflicts, changes species behavior, and creates the need for animal damage control.
44: What is the primary purpose of the Food Security Act of 1985
A44: To encourage conservation practices through incentives like the Conservation Reserve Program.
45: Why is habitat restoration crucial for endangered species
A45: It provides the necessary conditions for survival, breeding, and recovery of populations.
46: How do fire and grazing interact in prairie ecosystems
A46: Fire removes old growth, and grazing keeps vegetation in check, both contributing to prairie health and biodiversity.
47: What are "density-dependent factors" in population ecology
A47: Factors like food availability and predation that influence population size based on density.
48: Why is the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 still relevant today
A48: It continues to protect migratory birds from overhunting and habitat destruction.
49: How do hunters fund wildlife conservation
A49: Through license fees, excise taxes on equipment, and programs like the Pittman-Robertson Act.
50: What is the role of wetlands in ecosystems
A50: Wetlands act as water filters, flood controls, and critical habitats for various species.
51: What is the primary difference between game and non-game species
A51: Game species are hunted and regulated, while non-game species are not typically harvested.
52: What is "adaptive management" in wildlife conservation
A52: A flexible, science-based approach that adjusts strategies as new information becomes available.
54: Why is biodiversity important in wildlife conservation
A54: Biodiversity ensures ecosystem resilience, health, and the provision of services like pollination and nutrient cycling.
55: What are the benefits of ecotourism for wildlife conservation
A55: It generates funding, raises awareness, and provides economic incentives to protect natural areas.
What is the "ethical basis" for wildlife management
Ensuring sustainable use, minimizing waste, and balancing human needs with ecological integrity.
57: What is the role of science in wildlife policy
A57: Science provides the data and principles needed for informed decision-making and sustainable practices.
58: Why is overgrazing harmful to rangelands
A58: It leads to soil erosion, loss of vegetation, and desertification.
59: What is the function of predator-prey dynamics in ecosystems
A59: They help regulate populations, maintain biodiversity, and ensure healthy ecosystems.
What challenges do wildlife biologists face in urban areas
Habitat fragmentation, human-wildlife conflicts, and managing over-abundant species like deer or geese.
61: What is the difference between feral and invasive species
A61: Feral species are domesticated animals that have returned to the wild, while invasive species are non-native organisms that outcompete native species and disrupt ecosystems.
62: What is the purpose of the Dingle-Johnson Act
A62: It imposes taxes on fishing equipment to fund conservation efforts for aquatic habitats and species.
63: How does habitat fragmentation affect wildlife
A63: It isolates populations, reduces genetic diversity, and limits resources like food and shelter.
64: What is the purpose of the Endangered Species Act's recovery plans
A64: To outline strategies for restoring endangered and threatened species to sustainable population levels.
What is a keystone species
A species that has a disproportionately large impact on its ecosystem, such as wolves in Yellowstone.
66: Why is the conservation of non-game species important
A66: Non-game species contribute to ecosystem health, biodiversity, and services like pest control and pollination.
67: How do weevils and squirrels interact in the oak ecosystem
A67: Squirrels eat acorns infested with weevils, as the weevils counteract the tannins that reduce the acorn's protein availability.
68: What is the relationship between mast years and predator populations
A68: Mast years increase food availability, which can lead to higher survival and reproduction rates for predators.
69: How do hunters contribute to ethical wildlife management
A69: By adhering to regulations, supporting conservation programs, and promoting non-frivolous use of wildlife.
70: What is the significance of "fair chase" in hunting ethics
A70: Fair chase ensures hunting is conducted in a way that respects wildlife and promotes sustainability, such as banning unfair advantages like drones.
71: Why is genetic diversity important in wildlife populations
A71: It enhances resilience to diseases, environmental changes, and supports long-term survival.
72: What is the role of federal excise taxes in wildlife conservation
A72: They provide funding for state programs that manage habitats, restore species, and promote public education.
73: What is a density-independent factor
A73: A factor affecting population size regardless of density, such as natural disasters or climate events.
74: How does public opinion influence wildlife management
A74: It shapes policies and funding priorities, often swayed by perceptions rather than scientific evidence.
75: Why are rangelands important for wildlife
A75: They provide habitats, grazing opportunities, and serve as ecological buffers for many species.
76: What is "biological carrying capacity"
A76: The maximum population size of a species that an environment's resources can sustainably support.
77: How do wildlife corridors benefit ecosystems
A77: They connect fragmented habitats, allowing for gene flow, migration, and population recovery.
78: What are the economic benefits of recreational hunting and fishing
A78: They generate billions in revenue, create jobs, and fund conservation programs through associated spending.
79: What is "functional response" in predator-prey dynamics
A79: The change in a predator's consumption rate of prey as prey density changes.
80: How did the Dust Bowl highlight the importance of soil conservation
A80: It showed the devastating impact of poor farming practices on soil health and productivity, leading to conservation efforts.
81: What is the role of fire in maintaining prairie ecosystems
A81: Fire removes dead vegetation, recycles nutrients, and controls invasive species, promoting biodiversity.
What are some examples of human-wildlife conflict
Crop depredation by deer, livestock predation by wolves, and property damage by urban wildlife like raccoons.
83: How does ecotourism support local communities
A83: It provides economic incentives to conserve wildlife and habitats while generating income for local people.
84: What are some tools used in habitat management
A84: Prescribed burns, herbicides, reforestation, wetland restoration, and invasive species removal.
85: How do "Swampbuster" and "Sodbuster" provisions support conservation
A85: They prevent farmers from draining wetlands or plowing untouched land, preserving critical habitats.
What is the significance of overpasses and underpasses for wildlife
They reduce roadkill and allow safe migration across human infrastructure.
87: How does selective grazing benefit ecosystems
A87: It prevents overgrazing, maintains plant diversity, and supports habitats for various species.
88: What are some challenges of managing over-abundant deer populations
A88: Balancing public perception, ecological impacts, and finding effective control methods like hunting or sterilization.
89: How do feral cats impact ecosystems
A89: They prey on native birds and small mammals, contributing to biodiversity loss.
90: What is a "buffer species"
A90: A secondary prey species that predators can switch to, reducing pressure on the primary prey.
91: Why is the restoration of wetlands a conservation priority
A91: Wetlands provide critical ecosystem services, including water filtration, flood control, and wildlife habitat.
92: What is the role of public education in wildlife conservation
A92: It increases awareness, encourages sustainable practices, and garners support for conservation efforts.
How does the principle of "opportunity for all" in the North American Model differ from other systems
It ensures equal access to wildlife resources regardless of social or economic status.
94: Why are prairie dogs considered a keystone species
A94: Their burrows provide habitats for many species, and their grazing activities shape the ecosystem.
95: What is the impact of poaching on wildlife conservation
A95: Poaching undermines conservation efforts, reduces populations, and disrupts ecological balance.
How do wildlife biologists estimate population sizes
Using methods like trapping, tagging, radio collars, aerial surveys, and camera traps.
What is the importance of legislation like the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act
It safeguards iconic species from hunting, disturbance, and habitat destruction.
98: How do climate change and extreme weather events impact wildlife
A98: They alter habitats, migration patterns, food availability, and increase stress on populations.
99: What is "integrated pest management" (IPM)
A99: A strategy combining biological, cultural, and chemical tools to control pests sustainably.
100: How do ethical hunting practices support conservation goals
A100: They ensure sustainable use, fund conservation programs, and promote respect for wildlife.
101: What is the definition of wildlife according to the NC statute
A101: "Wild animals, wild birds, and all fish found in inland fishing waters."
