Free-Ranging Animals: Behavior, Ecology, Management

Free-ranging animals are defined as individuals that inhabit natural environments without confinement or restriction by human intervention. These animals exhibit behaviours such as hunting, mating and territoriality within their ecological niches, contributing significantly to ecosystem dynamics and biodiversity. Their unrestricted movement allows for effective utilisation of resources and spatial exploration, essential for maintaining population health and genetic diversity. Ecologically, free-ranging species play important roles in nutrient cycling, seed dispersal and regulating prey populations, thereby influencing community structure and resilience. Effective management of free-ranging animals involves understanding their behavioural patterns, habitat preferences and responses to environmental changes through precise scientific study. Conservation strategies focus on habitat preservation, wildlife corridors establishment and reduction of human-wildlife conflicts to assure sustainable coexistence. Addressing threats like habitat loss, climate change and human activities remains paramount to safeguarding the integrity and functionality of natural ecosystems that support free-ranging animal populations globally. This book discusses the fundamentals as well as modern approaches of animal behaviours. The topics covered in this extensive book deal with the core subjects of zoology and animal science. It is a resource guide for experts as well as students.