ENDANGERED SPECIES

The term ‘wildlife conservation’ describes the attempt to save wildlife from endangered status or even worse, extinction. It can also be used when talking about the need to repopulate habitats or regions where wildlife numbers have decreased or disappeared, even if the animals themselves are not classed as endangered. There are several forms of wildlife conservation and indeed there is some disagreement within the conservation realm as to what exactly is the best or most ‘correct’ way to save and preserve wildlife numbers.

In the strictest sense of the term, wildlife conservation is concerned with ‘wild’ fauna, that is, all non-plant living forms in the wild. Some theorists and workers within the industry believe that captivity (for preservation or breeding purposes) is a relevant form of conservation, whilst others believe that the wildlife should remain in the wild. Some groups and organizations concern themselves with entire habitats, including the preservation of the environment which supports the wildlife, whilst others are concerned with the animals alone.

Although many governments set aside funds for wildlife conservation, those within the industry would agree that there is never enough funding to achieve all the aims the conservation organizations set. As such, a large number of wildlife conservation organizations and charities rely partially or wholly on donations from the public. Volunteer office staff and field workers also make a big difference. A large portion of the work conducted by wildlife protection organizations is done with the help of the public, in weekend or holiday projects or through public pressure on politicians and businesses for better practices concerning wildlife conservation.