Understanding Wildlife Habitat

What is Wildlife Habitat? The kind of place where an… –Animal –Bird –Fish –or plant live in a natural state.

Elements of Habitat COVER FOOD WATER SPACE These elements must be kept in a favorable balance for Wildlife to survive.

Balance means… Elements are available in adequate amounts Are of high enough quality to meet the needs of animals Are distributed where animals need them

Carrying Capacity Number of animals a habitat can support over a given period of time Not a constant number Changes as the condition of the habitat changes

Providing Cover Breeding area Nesting areaNesting area Hiding place Resting place Safe place to sleepSafe place to sleep Feeding area; and Travel routeTravel route

How can we help?? Growing vegetation Provide structures Learn cover needs Plant trees and shrubs of various sizes and species Nest boxes for wood ducks Conifer plantings for ruffed grouse **Provide vegetative travel lanes between types of cover

Providing food Animals must eat –Get food by grazing –Killing –Eating other animals Bird feeder (small scale) Larger feeding stations

Can be harmful? If not done properly Animals (deer) may become too dependant May encourage overpopulations

Alternative to feeding… Encourage growth of natural sources of food Plant trees –Wild apple trees Crops –Wild rice Plant crops that provide both food and shelter for animals and birds.