What information do wildlife managers use to determine if other management practices are needed?

Wildlife managers focus on population size and habitat conditions because these two factors are critical for assessing the health of wildlife populations and their ecosystems. By analyzing population size, managers can understand whether a species is thriving, at risk, or becoming overpopulated. This information helps in making informed decisions regarding the need for interventions such as regulated hunting, habitat restoration, or conservation efforts.

Habitat conditions are equally important since they provide insight into the availability of resources necessary for wildlife survival, including food, water, and shelter. If habitat conditions are poor, it may indicate a need for management practices to enhance or restore those environments, ensuring that wildlife can sustain healthy populations. Therefore, when wildlife managers evaluate these elements, they can effectively determine the necessary management strategies to maintain or improve species and habitat health.