Wildlife refers to non-domesticated animal species and plants that occur in their natural habitats without human influence. This includes all animals, including domesticated ones, as well as fungi and microorganisms that grow wild. It also includes their ecosystems and the parts of those ecosystems they interact with.
Wildlife conservation is the practice of protecting wild animals and their habitats from harm. It also involves managing their interactions with humans to reduce the risk of disease. Wildlife conservation is done both by government agencies and private individuals. The governmental agencies are responsible for creating wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. These are reserved areas where people are not allowed to enter and hunt or otherwise disturb the animals. Private individuals can help by keeping their gardens free of food sources that attract wildlife, such as fruit trees and bird feeders. They can also put up fences to keep predators from destroying their livestock or pets, and they should clean out their garbage regularly.
In the past, people depended on both wild animals and plants for food. In many cultures, it is still common to see wild animals hunted for their meat and furs. However, in recent years, the availability of farm-raised livestock has diminished the demand for wild meat. Nonetheless, in some areas of the world, hunting and non-commercial fishing are significant components of human nutrition. In these cases, the meat sourced from wildlife is often called bushmeat.
The human population is growing rapidly, and the world’s natural resources are being used up faster than ever before. This is putting a lot of stress on the habitats and lives of wildlife. Many species of animals and plants are becoming extinct, and others are being driven to the brink of extinction. There are many causes of this, such as deforestation, habitat destruction, hunting, and pollution.
A number of factors threaten the survival of wildlife, including the increasing population of humans, habitat destruction, loss of food supplies, invasive species, climate change, and hunting. Some species, such as the blue sheep and the Asian elephant, have become critically endangered in a relatively short amount of time.
The best way to enjoy wildlife is from a safe distance. Keep a large distance between yourself and any animals you see, especially those with young or that are preparing to breed. Avoid running or hiking near dawn and dusk, when predators are most active. Keep dogs on leashes and away from wildlife, and don’t feed them outside. If you live in an area that is home to bears, cougars, or other dangerous animals, keep your garbage in a bear-resistant trash can and remove bird feeders after winter. If you have a garden, protect it by enclosing it with fencing or putting up electric gates. Lastly, don’t leave dog or cat food outside, and make sure to clean up fallen leaves and branches where bears could hide. By following these tips, you can ensure that your encounters with wildlife are both safe and exciting.