Wildlife biology is the study of wild animals and their ecosystems. It is a branch of biology that deals with the assessment and management of wildlife populations and habitats. Wildlife biologists often work in government agencies, NGOs, or private consulting firms. They may also be employed by zoos, aquariums, or museums.
The field of wildlife biology has its roots in natural history and ecology. Early naturalists such as Aristotle and Pliny the Elder wrote about the natural world and observed wild animals in their native habitats. These early works laid the foundation for modern ecological principles.
In the 19th century, biologists began to focus on specific groups of organisms, such as mammals or birds. This led to the development of new disciplines such as mammalogy and ornithology. With the advent of Darwinian evolution, biologists began to understand how species change over time in response to their environment. This knowledge was used to inform conservation efforts aimed at preserving biodiversity.
Today, wildlife biology is an interdisciplinary field that draws from many different disciplines, including ecology, ethology, genetics, physiology, and zoology. Wildlife biologists use this knowledge to address a variety of issues relating to wildlife conservation and management.