Wildlife Management in the Anthropocene

Wildlife management in Norway previously focused on harvesting edible game species and exterminating predators. In the Anthropocene-the Age of Humans-people and livestock have completely taken over the planet (95-99% of mammal biomass) and have displaced wild animals (1-5% of biomass). Wildlife management now faces new challenges, including habitat loss and climate change. Wildlife managers use their knowledge to plan, conduct and evaluate measures to achieve management goals. Native species and habitats should be protected or conserved, while invasive species should be combatted.

A wildlife manager requires ecological knowledge regarding species and ecosystems, and all measures should be conducted within a legal framework. Laws and regulations vary between Norway and other countries based on culture, traditions and power structures. Much research focuses on solving nature conservation issues. Wildlife management is distinguished by its focus on conservation through sustainable use. To ensure the future of hunting, game species and their habitats must be sustainably managed in the long term. Hunting must be perceived by the public and authorities as being socially, economically and biologically sustainable.