If wildlife numbers are declining but no evidence of hunting is found, what should be investigated next?

Correct answer: Habitat quality, availability of food and water, and factors such as disease

When there is no evidence of hunting, other major causes of wildlife decline should be examined. Habitat loss or fragmentation, shortage of food and water, and disease can reduce survival and reproduction. Looking only for hunting evidence is too narrow because population decline may have multiple causes. Exam tip: For wildlife-decline questions, consider habitat, food, water, disease, and human activities together.