Wildlife and Protected Areas
Expert-defined terms from the Advanced Certificate in Wildlife Law course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
Aerial Survey refers to a method of conducting surveys or gathering data from an… #
Related terms include Remote Sensing and GIS mapping, which are used in conjunction with aerial surveys to analyze and interpret the data collected. For example, aerial surveys can be used to count the number of elephants in a given area, or to track the migration patterns of birds.
Adaptive Management is an approach to managing natural resources, including wild… #
This approach recognizes that ecosystems are dynamic and complex, and that management strategies must be flexible and responsive to changing conditions. Related terms include Monitoring and Evaluation, which are critical components of adaptive management. For instance, adaptive management might be used to adjust the timing and location of prescribed burns in a protected area, based on ongoing monitoring of vegetation and wildlife populations.
Alien Species refers to non #
native species that have been introduced to an ecosystem, often through human activity, and can cause harm to native species and ecosystems. Related terms include Invasive Species and Native Species, which are often impacted by the introduction of alien species. For example, the introduction of zebra mussels to the Great Lakes has had a significant impact on native fish populations and the overall ecosystem.
Biodiversity refers to the variety of different species of plants, animals, and… #
Related terms include Species Richness and Ecosystem Services, which are critical components of biodiversity. For instance, the Amazon rainforest is considered one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet, with thousands of different species of plants and animals.
Biome is a large, naturally occurring community of plants and animals that occup… #
Related terms include Ecosystem and Habitat, which are often used to describe the specific environment in which a biome is found. For example, the savanna biome is characterized by a mix of grasses and trees, and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including lions, elephants, and giraffes.
Capture #
Mark-Recapture is a method used to estimate the size of a wildlife population, by capturing and marking a sample of individuals, and then releasing them back into the population. Related terms include Population Estimate and Sampling Method, which are used to analyze the data collected. For instance, capture-mark-recapture might be used to estimate the size of a deer population in a protected area, by capturing and marking a sample of deer and then tracking their movements and behavior.
Community #
Based Conservation is an approach to conservation that involves working with local communities to develop and implement conservation strategies, and recognizes the importance of community involvement and participation in conservation efforts. Related terms include Participatory Conservation and Collaborative Management, which are critical components of community-based conservation. For example, community-based conservation might involve working with local communities to develop sustainable livelihoods, such as ecotourism or wildlife-friendly agriculture, that also support conservation goals.
Conservation Biology is the scientific study of the conservation of biological d… #
Related terms include Ecology and Wildlife Management, which are critical components of conservation biology. For instance, conservation biologists might study the impact of climate change on wildlife populations, and develop strategies for mitigating those impacts.
Conservation Easement is a legal agreement between a landowner and a conservatio… #
Related terms include Habitat Protection and Land Trust, which are often used to establish and manage conservation easements. For example, a conservation easement might be used to protect a critical wildlife habitat, such as a migratory bird stopover site, by restricting development and other human activities.
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora… #
Related terms include Endangered Species and Wildlife Trade, which are critical components of CITES. For instance, CITES might regulate the trade of rhino horn, by restricting the export and import of rhino products.
Critical Habitat is a specific area that is essential for the survival and recov… #
Related terms include Habitat Conservation and Species Conservation, which are critical components of critical habitat designation. For example, the critical habitat for a species of endangered frog might include a specific type of forest habitat, with certain characteristics such as temperature, humidity, and vegetation.
Ecological Restoration is the process of restoring a degraded or damaged ecosyst… #
Related terms include Rehabilitation and Recovery, which are critical components of ecological restoration. For instance, ecological restoration might involve the reintroduction of native species, the removal of invasive species, and the restoration of natural hydrological processes.
Ecological Sustainability is the ability of an ecosystem to maintain its natural… #
Related terms include Environmental Sustainability and Conservation, which are critical components of ecological sustainability. For example, ecological sustainability might involve the management of a forest ecosystem, to ensure that it continues to provide ecosystem services such as timber, water, and wildlife habitat.
Ecosystem Services refer to the benefits that humans derive from functioning eco… #
Related terms include Environmental Services and Natural Resources, which are critical components of ecosystem services. For instance, ecosystem services might include the provision of pollination services by bees, or the regulation of water quality by wetlands.
Endangered Species is a species that is at risk of extinction, due to a range of… #
Related terms include Threatened Species and Conservation Status, which are critical components of endangered species designation. For example, the giant panda is an endangered species, due to habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as low birth rates.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process of evaluating the potential e… #
Related terms include Environmental Assessment and Sustainability Assessment, which are critical components of EIA. For instance, an EIA might be conducted to assess the potential impacts of a proposed wind farm on local wildlife populations.
Faunal Survey is a method of conducting surveys or gathering data on wildlife po… #
Related terms include Wildlife Survey and Population Monitoring, which are critical components of faunal surveys. For example, a faunal survey might be used to monitor the population trends of a specific species, such as a bird or mammal.
Game Reserve is a protected area that is managed for the conservation of wildlif… #
Related terms include Wildlife Reserve and Conservation Area, which are often used to describe game reserves. For instance, a game reserve might be established to protect a specific species, such as elephants or lions, and to provide a safe habitat for them to live and breed.
Habitat Fragmentation refers to the process of dividing a large, contiguous area… #
Related terms include Habitat Loss and Isolation, which are critical components of habitat fragmentation. For example, habitat fragmentation might occur when a forest is cleared for agriculture, resulting in isolated patches of forest habitat that are no longer connected.
Human #
Wildlife Conflict refers to the conflicts that arise between humans and wildlife, often due to competition for resources such as food, water, or space. Related terms include Wildlife Management and Conflict Resolution, which are critical components of human-wildlife conflict mitigation. For instance, human-wildlife conflict might occur when elephants raid crops, or when lions attack livestock.
In Situ Conservation is a conservation approach that involves protecting and man… #
Related terms include Ex Situ Conservation and Habitat Conservation, which are critical components of in situ conservation. For example, in situ conservation might involve the protection of a specific species, such as a bird or mammal, in its natural habitat, through the establishment of protected areas or the implementation of conservation measures.
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a global organization t… #
Related terms include Conservation Organization and Environmental Organization, which are critical components of IUCN's work. For instance, IUCN might work with governments and local communities to develop conservation strategies, or to provide technical assistance and support for conservation efforts.
Land Use Planning is the process of managing and regulating the use of land, in… #
Related terms include Urban Planning and Rural Planning, which are critical components of land use planning. For example, land use planning might involve the designation of protected areas, such as national parks or wildlife reserves, or the implementation of zoning regulations to restrict development in sensitive areas.
Marine Protected Area (MPA) is a protected area that is established to conserve… #
Related terms include Marine Conservation and Coastal Management, which are critical components of MPA establishment and management. For instance, an MPA might be established to protect a specific species, such as sea turtles or whales, or to conserve a particular habitat, such as a coral reef or kelp forest.
National Park is a protected area that is established to conserve and protect na… #
Related terms include Protected Area and Conservation Area, which are often used to describe national parks. For example, a national park might be established to protect a specific ecosystem, such as a forest or grassland, or to conserve a particular species, such as a bird or mammal.
Native Species refers to a species that is naturally found in a particular ecosy… #
Related terms include Endemic Species and Introduced Species, which are critical components of native species conservation. For instance, native species might include plants, animals, or microorganisms that are unique to a particular region, and are often found only in that region.
Nature Reserve is a protected area that is established to conserve and protect n… #
Related terms include Wildlife Reserve and Conservation Area, which are often used to describe nature reserves. For example, a nature reserve might be established to protect a specific species, such as a bird or mammal, or to conserve a particular habitat, such as a forest or wetland.
Population Dynamics refers to the study of the changes in a population's size, s… #
Related terms include Population Ecology and Demography, which are critical components of population dynamics. For instance, population dynamics might be used to study the impact of climate change on a species' population trends, or to develop strategies for managing a species' population growth or decline.
Protected Area is a geographic area that is designated and managed to conserve a… #
Related terms include Conservation Area and Wildlife Reserve, which are often used to describe protected areas. For example, a protected area might be established to conserve a specific ecosystem, such as a forest or grassland, or to protect a particular species, such as a bird or mammal.
Reintroduction is the process of releasing a species back into the wild, often a… #
Related terms include Translocation and Recolonization, which are critical components of reintroduction. For instance, reintroduction might be used to restore a species to a area where it has become extinct, or to augment a declining population.
Remote Sensing is the use of airborne or satellite #
based sensors to gather data on the environment, and is often used in conservation and management applications. Related terms include GIS and Mapping, which are critical components of remote sensing. For example, remote sensing might be used to monitor forest cover, or to track changes in land use over time.
Species Conservation is the process of protecting and managing species to preven… #
Related terms include Endangered Species and Threatened Species, which are critical components of species conservation. For instance, species conservation might involve the protection of a specific species, such as a bird or mammal, or the conservation of a particular habitat, such as a forest or wetland.
Sustainable Development is a development approach that aims to balance human nee… #
Related terms include Environmental Sustainability and Conservation, which are critical components of sustainable development. For example, sustainable development might involve the use of renewable energy sources, or the implementation of sustainable agriculture practices.
Transboundary Conservation is a conservation approach that involves working acro… #
Related terms include International Conservation and Global Conservation, which are critical components of transboundary conservation. For instance, transboundary conservation might involve the establishment of a protected area that spans multiple countries, or the development of a conservation strategy that involves multiple countries.
Urban Wildlife refers to the wildlife that lives in and around urban areas, and… #
Related terms include Urban Ecology and Wildlife Management, which are critical components of urban wildlife conservation. For example, urban wildlife might include species such as pigeons, raccoons, or deer, that have adapted to living in urban environments.
Wildlife Corridor is a narrow strip of habitat that connects two or more larger… #
Related terms include Habitat Connectivity and Migration Route, which are critical components of wildlife corridor conservation. For instance, a wildlife corridor might be established to connect two national parks, or to provide a migration route for a specific species.
Wildlife Management is the process of managing and regulating wildlife populatio… #
Related terms include Conservation Management and Wildlife Conservation, which are critical components of wildlife management. For example, wildlife management might involve the regulation of hunting or fishing, or the implementation of conservation measures such as habitat restoration or species reintroduction.
Wildlife Reserve is a protected area that is established to conserve and protect… #
Related terms include Protected Area and Conservation Area, which are often used to describe wildlife reserves. For instance, a wildlife reserve might be established to protect a specific species, such as a bird or mammal, or to conserve a particular habitat, such as a forest or wetland.
Zoning is the process of dividing an area into different zones or areas, each wi… #
Related terms include Land Use Planning and Environmental Planning, which are critical components of zoning. For example, zoning might be used to restrict development in sensitive areas, or to designate specific areas for conservation or recreation.