Wildlife are a treasured resource in Idaho. A recent, scientifically valid public opinion poll conducted by the IRRC showed that more than 80 percent of the Idaho public understands that ranchers provide valuable wildlife habitat on their private lands.
Private ranchland is typically located in valley bottoms, often next to streams and rivers. Studies have shown that with good management of riparian areas on private or public lands, more than 350 species of wildlife will benefit. With sound water management, ranchers can help improve fish habitat as well.
The IRRC strives to provide helpful resources with regard to species of concern such as sage-grouse, Rocky Mountain gray wolves and others. Several of the Life on the Range videos are focused on wildlife. The 5-part Wolf Series was published in 2019 to provide an educational overview of the issues surrounding wolves in Idaho.
Helpful wildlife links:
- Idaho Department of Fish and Game
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Idaho
- The Nature Conservancy in Idaho
- The Governor’s Office on Species Conservation
Listen to these humorous radio spots called “Wildlife Forum”. These were produced to raise awareness of various rangeland issues and how they impact wildlife species.
Warning–do not listen if you don’t have a sense of humor!
- Elk & Antelope Forum radio spot on drought (1003 KB)
- Sage-grouse & Mule Deer Wildlife Forum radio spot on fire (1027 KB)
- Pheasant & Deer Wildlife Forum radio spot on habitat (1015 KB)
- Salmon & Duck Wildlife Forum radio spot on water on private land (1027 KB)
- Elk & Sheep Wildlife Forum radio spot on habitat (1044 KB)
- Cow & California Quail Wildlife Forum radio spot on habitat (1032 KB)