Biodeterioration of the biosphere: Where does wildlife damage management stand?

Degradation of the biosphere with the associated loss of biological integrity is the most critical issue facing humankind today. Wildlife damage management expertise is critically needed in addressing this issue head-on from both traditional and non-traditional approaches. The profession offers a unique combination of both wildlife management training and damage management experience, which helps in understanding a variety of conservation perspectives, especially on private land. Because relationships between damage management and sustainability are often not clearly recognized, and because many traditional wildlife damage management activities are criticized as inappropriate or not needed, we suggest a reassessment of our vision for the future of the profession to include biosphere sustainability as a basic guiding principle. Implications could include greater emphasis in some areas and reassessment in others such as prairie dog management. Greater emphasis might be placed on native ecosystems, impacts of invasive exotic species or overabundant native species, fragmented habitats, nest pests, and, particularly, sustainable agricultural issues. A shift toward greater service to biosphere sustainability will bring both rewards and responsibilities. It will also strengthen the relevance of wildlife damage management and enhance the credibility of the profession for the future.