Conservation and management of ungulates in North America

Abstract

The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation had its genesis, in part, with the conservation of native ungulates. Thus, it is important to understand what these species are and how they have been and are, currently, managed. Ungulates are hooved quadrupeds that include those that are odd-toed (e.g. tapirs [Tapirus bairdii]) and even-toed (e.g. deer). Contemporary management of the ungulates evolved through three stages: exploitation, concern for survival and conservation through wise use. The success of conservation of ungulates has been attributed to the merger of biology, an understanding of habitat and the role of human dimensions. This triad of wildlife management has been effective. Most ungulate populations in North America have been restored; viable populations exist. Challenges to the conservation of large mammals remain, however, including increased human population growth, climate change and sources of funding.

Keywords:

• Conservation
• Management
• North America
• Ungulates

Acknowledgements

Earlier drafts of this paper were reviewed by J.A. Bissonette and R.D. Brown. Support for writing the paper was provided by the Department of Biological Sciences, Idaho State University, the Boone and Crockett Program in Wildlife Conservation, University of Montana, and the Eastern Sierra Center for Applied Population Ecology (ESCAPE). This is Professional Paper 098 from the Eastern Sierra Center for Applied Population Ecology.