Wildlife management is an applied science using basic biology to solve problems, such as when species become endangered. Wildlife biologists spend considerable time outdoors determining size and health of wildlife populations, and taking corrective actions. The Wildlife Society represents wildlife biologists and has a certification program to ensure that those who speak for wildlife have professional credentials. Ohio State is the only academic institution in Ohio that can produce certified wildlife biologists.
Wildlife management is concerned with the tragic decline of wildlife caused by human activity.
Many wild animals, such as the wood duck and the pronghorn, were managed back to abundance from the brink of extinction. Today most wild animals in the United States are being effectively conserved. However, much remains to be done internationally with animals such as the elephant, panda, and rhino. Wildlife management today emphasizes managing ecosystems so that all components, from butterflies to birds, remain healthy. Reintroduction of the wolf into Yellowstone will restore an ecosystem damaged by humans.