Chapter 2: Wildlife Conservation
Carrying Capacity

The resources in any given habitat can support only a certain number of wildlife. As seasons change, food, water, or cover may be in short supply causing damage to the animals or the habitat. 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.

Factors that limit wildlife populations include:

Starvation
Disease and Parasites
Accidents
Weather
Hunting
Predators
Loss of Habitat
Human Development
Old Age

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

carrying capacity

carrying capacity: The number of animals the habitat can support throughout the year without causing damage to the animals or the habitat

Department of Conservation
and Natural Resources

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Chapter 2: Wildlife Conservation Carrying Capacity

Chapter 2: Wildlife Conservation
Carrying Capacity