Wildlife Biology

Wildlife is composed of all non-domesticated animals. However, wildlife managers are often interested in specific categories of wildlife such as game (e.g., pronghorn antelope & quail), non-game (e.g., american kestrels & ornate box turtles ), fur-bearing (e.g., mink & muskrats), and threatened or endangered species (e.g., lesser prairie chickens & stout iguanas). Wildlife managers balance human use of wildlife habitat and harvest of game species with the need to retain sufficient habitat and populations of wildlife species for future enjoyment. They also manage species which may not interact with humans directly but are essential for maintaining the health of an ecosystem and populations of more charismatic species. For example harvester ants are essential to the health of the iconic Texas Horned Lizard as a food source. Finally they help control species that damage human interests (e.g., crop damage by feral hogs).

Many graduates in this field pursue careers in government agencies like state parks and wildlife services, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Parks Service, or animal damage control. Others find opportunities in the private sector in consulting firms or working for companies that must comply with state or federal wildlife regulations.

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