What does "wildlife management" entail in the context of conservation?

Wildlife management, in the context of conservation, primarily involves practices designed to protect and enhance habitats for various wildlife species. This encompasses efforts aimed at maintaining and improving the ecological balance within ecosystems, ensuring that wildlife populations are sustainable and that their habitats remain intact and functional. These management practices can include habitat restoration, conservation of critical areas, protection from invasive species, and creating corridors that allow wildlife to move safely between different areas.

By focusing on enhancing habitats, wildlife management also plays a crucial role in supporting biodiversity, which is essential for healthy ecosystems. This approach is holistic and integrates the needs of wildlife with conservation objectives, ensuring the long-term viability of species.

In contrast, the other choices do not align with the core principles of wildlife management. Practices that enhance agricultural productivity do not necessarily address wildlife needs and may even contradict conservation goals. Promoting urban development can lead to habitat loss and fragmentation, which directly harms wildlife habitats. Lastly, focusing solely on the economic value of species ignores the ecological importance of wildlife and their roles in their ecosystems, which is central to effective wildlife management.