| |
Habitat
Wildlife have life requirements that must be supplied by their surroundings to
ensure their sustainability and well-being. These are known as habitat
requirements. The four basic habitat requirements are food, water, usable
space, and cover (shelter).
Each species has its own set of specific requirements. For example, white-tailed
deer use acorns for food, while bobwhites eat insects or seeds. Waterfowl
live on water and use thick grasses for cover, while mourning doves nest in trees.
Habitat requirements for wildlife change during the seasons of the year. The
food a species eats in winter may be much different than what is eaten in summer. Young
bobwhite chicks require more insects than adults. The cover a bird seeks
for nesting may be much different than the cover needed for a winter storm. |
