What is the study of the relationships between wildlife species and their environment called?

The study of the relationships between wildlife species and their environment is referred to as wildlife ecology. This field focuses on understanding how various species interact with each other and their habitats, encompassing aspects such as nutrient cycling, population dynamics, and the effects of environmental changes on ecosystems. Wildlife ecology is vital for developing effective conservation strategies, as it provides insights into the needs of different species and the impacts of human activities on their habitats.

Wildlife conservation, while related, specifically pertains to practices and policies aimed at protecting endangered species and their habitats rather than the broader study of their relationships. Wildlife management involves the application of ecological principles to manage wildlife populations and habitats sustainably, which may draw on findings from wildlife ecology but is more about the practical aspects of managing wildlife. Wildlife preservation typically refers to the protection of wildlife in their natural state, often emphasizing minimal human intervention, but does not encompass the comprehensive study of ecological interactions.