Texas Hunter Education Certification Practice Exam

Which of the following is a principle of wildlife management?

1. Feeding wildlife year-round

2. Introducing exotic species for hunting

3. Habitat manipulation

4. Eliminating predators to increase game populations

The correct answer is: Habitat manipulation

Habitat manipulation is a fundamental principle of wildlife management because it focuses on improving and maintaining the environments in which wildlife live. By managing habitats to provide food, water, and shelter, wildlife populations can thrive in a sustainable way. This approach aims to create a balanced ecosystem where both game and non-game species can coexist and support each other. Proper habitat management can include practices such as planting native vegetation, creating water sources, and controlling invasive species, all of which contribute to a healthier ecosystem for wildlife. The other choices do not align with sound wildlife management principles. Feeding wildlife year-round may lead to dependency on human food sources and disrupt natural foraging behaviors. Introducing exotic species can cause ecological imbalances and harm native species, which undermines biodiversity. Eliminating predators disrupts the natural food chain and can lead to overpopulation of certain species, which may result in habitat degradation and increased competition for resources. These practices can create more problems than they solve, highlighting why habitat manipulation is the preferred method for effective wildlife management.