11.6 Conservation vs. Preservation

Both "conservation" and "preservation" are used when talking about wildlife management, but does “conservation” mean the same thing as "preservation"?

No! Conservation and preservation are really quite different. Wildlife biologists use both words, but they have different meanings.

Conservation = Wise Use

Biologists often use conservation as a wildlife management tool. Each year some game animals in a stable wildlife population will die. Since wildlife managers cannot stockpile wildlife, they allow controlled hunting. Such controlled hunting helps keep wildlife numbers well within the carrying capacity of the habitat. Controlled hunting also allows hunters an opportunity to enjoy fresh venison, fowl, and other game meat.

When we have stable wildlife populations, conservation benefits wildlife, habitat, and man.

Preservation = Non-Use

Preservation is also a wildlife management tool. When biologists use preservation as a wildlife management tool, they want to protect animals and their habitats for future generations.