What can the health of wildlife indicate about the environment?

The health of wildlife serves as a good indicator of environmental health because animals are often highly sensitive to changes in their habitats. They can reflect the quality of the environment, including factors such as food availability, presence of pollutants, and the overall ecosystem balance. When wildlife populations are thriving, it usually suggests a healthy ecosystem, whereas declines in wildlife populations can indicate problems such as habitat destruction, pollution, or climate change impacts. Monitoring wildlife health helps conservationists and environmental scientists assess the well-being of the environment and identify areas needing protection or restoration. This relationship emphasizes the interconnectedness of species and their habitats, highlighting the importance of wildlife as a barometer for ecosystem health.