Glossary / Ecological Terms
At WILDFORCE, we understand that the world of wildlife management, habitat conservation, and ecological consultancy is filled with specialist terminology. To help our clients, landowners, and visitors navigate this landscape, we’ve created this dedicated glossary of key ecological terms. Here you’ll find clear, concise definitions for words and phrases commonly used across our site—from deer management and invasive species control to biodiversity, habitat restoration, and environmental compliance. Whether you’re seeking to understand deer impact assessments, Biodiversity Net Gain, or the meaning of protected species, this page provides the essential explanations you need to make informed decisions and fully understand our work in protecting the natural environment.
Deer & Wildlife Management
Q: What is deer management?
A: Deer management is the monitoring and control of deer populations to reduce environmental damage, protect forestry and crops, and maintain ecosystem balance.
Q: What are invasive deer species?
A: Invasive deer species are non-native deer that disrupt native ecosystems, such as Sika Deer in areas outside their natural range.
Q: What is culling?
A: Culling is the controlled reduction of wildlife populations to prevent overpopulation and ecological damage.
Q: What is a deer impact assessment?
A: A deer impact assessment evaluates the effects of deer on vegetation, forestry, and biodiversity.
Q: What is deer tracking?
A: Deer tracking involves monitoring deer movements, populations, and behavior using footprints, droppings, GPS, or camera traps.
Q: What is population density in wildlife?
A: Population density measures the number of animals within a specific area, helping inform management decisions.
Q: What is fawning?
A: Fawning is the period when female deer give birth to young, usually in spring or early summer.
Q: What is browsing?
A: Browsing is the feeding activity of deer or other herbivores on leaves, twigs, and shoots of plants.
Habitat & Biodiversity
Q: What is habitat restoration?
A: Habitat restoration is the process of returning damaged ecosystems to a healthy and functioning state.
Q: What is rewilding?
A: Rewilding restores natural processes and wildlife to landscapes, often reintroducing species and promoting self-sustaining ecosystems.
Q: What is biodiversity?
A: Biodiversity is the variety of life within an ecosystem, including plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms.
Q: What is a keystone species?
A: A keystone species has a disproportionately large effect on its environment, shaping ecosystem structure and function.
Q: What is ecological connectivity?
A: Ecological connectivity is the extent to which landscapes allow species movement and interaction, essential for genetic diversity.
Q: What is a wildlife corridor?
A: A wildlife corridor is a habitat strip that connects fragmented landscapes, allowing animals to move safely between areas.
Q: What is habitat fragmentation?
A: Habitat fragmentation occurs when large ecosystems are broken into smaller patches, threatening species survival.
Q: What is an ecosystem service?
A: Ecosystem services are the benefits humans gain from nature, such as clean water, pollination, and carbon storage.
Q: What is a conservation priority species?
A: A conservation priority species is an organism identified as needing protection due to declining populations or ecological importance.
Q: What is a protected area?
A: A protected area is a location designated for conservation to safeguard biodiversity and ecosystem functions.
Invasive Species
Q: What are invasive non-native species (INNS)?
A: INNS are species introduced to a non-native area that harm the environment, economy, or human health.
Q: What is invasive species control?
A: Invasive species control involves removing or managing harmful non-native species to protect ecosystems.
Q: What is biosecurity?
A: Biosecurity refers to measures taken to prevent the introduction and spread of harmful organisms in ecosystems.
Q: What is Japanese Knotweed?
A: Japanese Knotweed is an aggressive invasive plant that can damage buildings and outcompete native vegetation.
Q: What is Himalayan Balsam?
A: Himalayan Balsam is a fast-growing invasive plant that dominates riverbanks and reduces native biodiversity.
Q: What is grey squirrel control?
A: Grey squirrel control involves managing populations to protect native red squirrels and prevent woodland damage.
Q: What is feral species management?
A: Feral species management targets escaped or non-native animals that negatively impact ecosystems.
Q: What is ecological impact assessment?
A: An ecological impact assessment evaluates the potential effects of human activities or species on ecosystems.
Land & Environmental Management
Q: What is Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)?
A: BNG requires that developments leave habitats in a measurably better state, enhancing biodiversity after construction.
Q: What is sustainable land management?
A: Sustainable land management balances human land use with ecosystem health and resilience.
Q: What is a conservation management plan?
A: A conservation management plan outlines strategies for protecting and enhancing habitats and species.
Q: What is a protected species?
A: A protected species is legally safeguarded against harm under UK or international law.
Q: What is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)?
A: An SSSI is a legally protected area notable for unique wildlife, flora, fauna, or geology.
Q: What is a green infrastructure?
A: Green infrastructure is a network of natural and semi-natural areas designed to manage water, improve biodiversity, and support human wellbeing.
Q: What is land stewardship?
A: Land stewardship is the responsible management of land to conserve ecosystems while supporting sustainable use.
Q: What is ecological consultancy?
A: Ecological consultancy provides expert advice on habitat management, wildlife control, and regulatory compliance.
Monitoring & Survey Terms
Q: What is a wildlife survey?
A: A wildlife survey systematically collects data on species presence, distribution, and abundance.
Q: What is population monitoring?
A: Population monitoring tracks the size, health, and trends of species over time.
Q: What is a camera trap?
A: A camera trap is a motion-activated camera used to observe wildlife without human disturbance.
Q: What is ecological baseline data?
A: Ecological baseline data is a reference set of information on an ecosystem’s initial condition for monitoring changes.
Q: What is a transect survey?
A: A transect survey is a method of sampling biodiversity along a defined path to monitor species and habitat conditions.
Q: What is quadrat sampling?
A: Quadrat sampling uses square plots to study plant or animal populations within a habitat.
Q: What is GIS mapping in ecology?
A: GIS mapping uses geographic information systems to record, analyze, and visualize ecological data.
Q: What is environmental monitoring?
A: Environmental monitoring involves tracking changes in habitats, species, and environmental conditions over time.
Legal & Compliance
Q: What is a wildlife licence?
A: A wildlife licence grants permission to carry out activities affecting protected species or habitats legally.
Q: What is environmental compliance?
A: Environmental compliance ensures adherence to laws and regulations protecting ecosystems, wildlife, and habitats.
Q: What is natural England?
A: Natural England is a UK government body responsible for conserving wildlife and natural landscapes.
Q: What is a planning consent for development?
A: Planning consent is the legal approval required for construction or land-use changes that may impact wildlife or habitats.
Q: What is an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)?
A: An EIA assesses the potential effects of a proposed project on the environment, including wildlife, soil, water, and habitats.
Q: What is a licence for species control?
A: A licence for species control allows authorised management of legally protected or invasive species.
Additional Ecological Terms
Q: What is ecosystem resilience?
A: Ecosystem resilience is the ability of an ecosystem to recover from disturbances while maintaining functionality.
Q: What is carrying capacity?
A: Carrying capacity is the maximum population size an environment can support sustainably.
Q: What is ecological restoration?
A: Ecological restoration aims to repair damaged ecosystems and return them to a healthy state.
Q: What is natural regeneration?
A: Natural regeneration is the process by which vegetation regrows naturally without human planting.
Q: What is native species?
A: A native species occurs naturally in a region and has evolved as part of the local ecosystem.
Q: What is non-native species?
A: A non-native species is introduced to a region outside its natural range and may or may not be invasive.
Q: What is trophic level?
A: A trophic level is a position in a food chain, representing how energy flows from producers to consumers.
Q: What is carrying capacity in wildlife?
A: Carrying capacity in wildlife is the maximum number of individuals of a species that an area can sustain without ecological damage.
Q: What is ecological niche?
A: An ecological niche is the role and position a species has in its ecosystem, including interactions with other species.
Q: What is succession?
A: Succession is the natural process by which ecosystems change over time, often from bare ground to mature woodland.
Q: What is ecosystem service valuation?
A: Ecosystem service valuation is assessing the economic or social benefits provided by ecosystems to humans.