Avoidance Paradigm In Wildlife Profession

How paradigms works to both advance and hinder the wildlife profession

There have been multiple changes in paradigms during North American history, beginning with the occupation by Europeans. Like their European ancestors, early immigrants to North American had little value for wildlife. A dominance paradigm attributed to Judeo-Christian ethics was evident in early settlers who felt a sense of responsibility to exploit the gifts of the earth. These early stages of wildlife management in North America led to resource exploitation in favor of industrial development. Managing wildlife through regulation of hunting and restriction enforcement provided a solution to the problem of declining wildlife populations. However, these practices were not focused on sustaining population for the sake of wildlife. Instead, they worked to ensure more hunting. At this time, state wildlife agencies supported wardens to enforce regulations.

Wildlife professionals frame problems and provide solutions to these problems based on the culture that guides their philosophies. Typically, more difficult problems not addressed by the paradigm are avoided, reducing the possibility of creative thinking as well as incentive to gain new skills and knowledge. Avoidance is also reinforced by the …show more content…
Rural wildlife areas also have a greater biodiversity value. Species more vulnerable to overhunting are not suited as bushmeat and must be protected for sustainability. Finally, management plans should be integrated to include the cultural and socioeconomic standing of the community. The use of population harvest models, monitoring populations, ensuring availability of healthy habitat, and adjacently locating non-hunted and hunted areas can ensure greater