Pre-colonial wildlife management

Pre-colonial wildlife management refers to the practices and beliefs Indigenous cultures employed to sustainably interact with and care for wildlife long before European colonization. These communities often viewed themselves as part of the ecosystem, utilizing natural resources while ensuring species' survival through methods like seasonal hunting, controlled burns, and sacred sites for certain animals. Their deep understanding of local ecosystems fostered biodiversity and helped maintain a balance between human needs and wildlife conservation, contrasting with later exploitation-focused approaches introduced by colonial powers.