WILDLIFE ON PRIVATE LANDS

As a wildlife photographer and scientist researching wildlife, I realized just how vital private lands are for nature. The more I experienced wildlife on private lands, the more questions arose. Initially, I had assumed that farms and ranches were not necessarily safe havens and refuges for wildlife. After studying wildlife on private lands, I realized just how misinformed I was... I found abundant wildlife on large ranches, including endangered and threatened species. There were fewer people and impacts from humans on many of these private lands than I experienced on many public lands. Sure, this was not true on all private lands I have experienced - but in general, I have found abundant wildlife and more respect for their habitat on the private lands I spend time on.