Chapter 4: Wildlife Conservation and Management
Carrying Capacity

The resources in any given habitat can support only a certain quantity of wildlife. As seasons change, food, water, or cover may be in short supply. Carrying capacity is the number of animals the habitat can support all year long. The carrying capacity of a certain tract of land can vary from year to year. It can be changed by nature or humans.

Limiting factors that affect the potential production of wildlife include: Disease/parasites Accidents Starvation Old age Predators Hunting Pollution

If the conditions are balanced, game animals will produce a surplus, which can be harvested on an annual basis.