Most wildlife can be assigned more than one value and some of the values overlap with others. Some values can have a dollar amount assigned to them while others are less easy to quantify. In addition, wildlife have both positive and negative values. Positive Values Esthetic values are those attributes of wildlife that relate to an animals inherent natural beauty or the artistic appreciation of a species . Esthetic values are difficult to assess or measure, but they have always been important in the conservation movement.
People commonly express an appreciation of wildlife that they find difficult to describe.
Wildlife in their native habitats have esthetic value even though most people will never see them there. Examples might include tigers in the jungles of Asia, grizzly bears in wilderness areas of North America, or scarlet macaws in the rainforests of South America. Recreational values are qualities assigned to wildlife related to sports or hobbies. Recreational values can be subdivided into consumptive and nonconsumptive uses. Hunting is the most common consumptive use of wildlife while birdwatching and photography are some of the more common nonconsumptive uses.