What are range-dependent wildlife?

Range-dependent wildlife refers to wild animals that are directly or indirectly dependent -- as either predators or prey -- on the existence of large areas of undivided range for supporting the continued existence of their species. Their beingness plays an important role in maintaining the natural order of rangeland ecosystems in the U.S. and around the world. Examples of range-dependent wildlife that exist in North America includes:

• Elk and other grazers
• Pronghorn antelope
• Mule and white-tailed deer
• Grey wolf
• Coyote
• Cougar
• Bobcat
• Black-footed ferret
• Badger
• Swift and red fox
• Rabbits, voles, mice, and gophers
• Rattle snakes and rats
• Eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, and other raptors
• Meadowlark, mockingbird, red-winged blackbird, and other song birds
• Prairie chicken, bobwhite quail, and other game birds
• Texas horned toad and other lizards
  
  

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