The principles in the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation were developed primarily to address historical over-exploitation of wildlife resources in the 19th and early 20th centuries, which led to drastic declines and near-extinctions of many species. These principles were created to ensure sustainable use and preservation of wildlife by recognizing wildlife as a public trust resource, held by the government for the benefit of all citizens. They emphasize regulated hunting, prohibit commercial trade in wildlife, rely on scientific management, and ensure democratic access to wildlife resources to avoid private exploitation and promote long-term conservation. The model emerged largely from the efforts of sportsmen and conservationists in the United States and Canada in the early 1900s who sought to restore and safeguard wildlife through sound policies and laws, providing a structured approach to wildlife conservation.
Key Reasons for Development:
- Severe over-exploitation and near extinction of wildlife species due to unregulated hunting and habitat destruction.
- Need to protect wildlife as a public trust, preventing privatization and commercial exploitation.
- Establishment of legal and ethical frameworks to regulate hunting, ensuring wildlife could only be killed for legitimate purposes.
- Recognition of wildlife as an international resource requiring cooperation across borders.
- Scientific management as the foundation for sustainable wildlife conservation.
- Democratization of hunting and fishing, allowing equal access to all citizens.
Thus, the principles were developed to create a comprehensive, legal, and ethical framework to conserve wildlife for present and future generations.
