The value of wildlife.

Area of Science:

• Wildlife science
• Conservation biology
• Environmental economics

Background:

• Historically, wildlife value was underestimated, primarily viewed through aesthetic and tourism lenses.
• The veterinary and economic sectors are increasingly recognizing wildlife's significance beyond traditional livestock or tourism.
• Community-based natural resource management programs highlight wildlife's importance to local populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To underscore the multifaceted value of wildlife, encompassing economic, nutritional, ecological, and socio-cultural dimensions.
• To emphasize the global economic impact of wildlife, including consumptive and non-consumptive uses.
• To discuss threats to wildlife conservation, particularly the erosion of its perceived values.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of existing literature and economic data.
• Review of community-based natural resource management principles.
• Synthesis of ecological and socio-cultural significance of wildlife.

Main Results:

• Wildlife contributes billions of US dollars globally through various uses.
• Wildlife provides essential nutritional resources and plays a vital ecological role.
• Socio-cultural significance of wildlife is recognized in both developed and developing nations.

Conclusions:

• Wildlife's diverse values (economic, nutritional, ecological, socio-cultural) are critical and often undervalued.
• Effective wildlife conservation requires acknowledging and integrating these multiple values.
• Threats to conservation are exacerbated by the diminishing recognition of wildlife's contributions.