BIODETERIORATION OF THE BIOSPHERE - WHERE DOES WILDLIFE DAMAGE MANAGEMENT STAND

Degradation of the biosphere with the associated loss of biological in tegrity is the most critical issue facing humankind today. Wildlife da mage management expertise is critically needed in addressing this issu e head-on from both traditional and non-traditional approaches. The pr ofession offers a unique combination of both wildlife management train ing and damage management experience, which helps in understanding a v ariety of conservation perspectives, especially on private land. Becau se relationships between damage management and sustainability are ofte n 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 professi on to include biosphere sustainability as a basic guiding principle. I mplications could include greater emphasis in some areas and reassessm ent in others such as prairie dog management. Greater emphasis might b e placed on native ecosystems, impacts of invasive exotic species or o verabundant native species, fragmented habitats, nest pests, and parti cularly, sustainable agricultural issues. A shift toward greater servi ce to biosphere sustainability will bring both rewards and responsibil ities. It will also strengthen the relevance of wildlife damage manage ment and enhance the credibility of the profession for the future.