This online and interactive text is geared toward the introductory student in wildlife biology in the US. Thousands of students take introductory courses in wildlife at colleges and universities each year. There is a need for a comprehensive, contemporary introductory text on wildlife conservation produced in a manner that is engaging to students. Some of these students are committed to pursuing careers in wildlife biology, while many others are uncertain as to their future plans. In some cases, non-wildlife majors take these courses because they are interested in wildlife and want to learn more about it.

The information presented to students in these classes directly influences whether students will go on to pursue a degree and, eventually, a career in wildlife. Equally important, these courses influence students’ understanding and appreciation of the wildlife profession. For some, these courses serve as the only formal education they will receive in wildlife biology, management, and conservation. Therefore, our aim is that this introductory wildlife text will provide an opportunity to educate and inform students and in turn influence their subsequent understanding and views of wildlife conservation. In service of this goal, editors and chapter authors have developed an interactive and engaging online textbook. This textbook includes video links, web links, hover definitions, polls, discussion forums, and online quizzes.

Dr. Chad J. Bishop is Director of the Wildlife Biology Program and Professor in the Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences at University of Montana (2015 – present). As Director, Chad is responsible for a wide array of functions tied to running the wildlife biology program, with an emphasis on faculty and student support and program outreach and development. He also teaches courses in the wildlife curricula and leads multiple research projects focused primarily on ungulate ecology. Prior to University of Montana, Chad spent nearly 16 years working for Colorado Parks and Wildlife as assistant director, research leader, and wildlife researcher. He received a B.S. degree from Montana State University in Biology with a Fish and Wildlife emphasis (1995), M.S. from University of Idaho in Wildlife Resources (1998), and Ph.D. from Colorado State University in Wildlife Biology (2007). 

Thomas J. Ryder is retired Deputy Chief of Wildlife for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. During his 35 year career with the Department, he also served as Habitat Biologist, Large Carnivore Biologist, Senior Wildlife Biologist, Wildlife Management Coordinator and Wyoming Governor Matt Mead’s Wildlife Policy Advisor. Following his retirement from state service, Ryder worked as Habitat Manager for the Sweetwater Conservancy’s 1.2 million acre ranch properties in central Wyoming helping develop their sage-grouse mitigation banking program. He received the Wyoming Game and Fish Director’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013 and the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Professional of the Year Award in 2014. Ryder is a Certified Wildlife Biologist, Past President, Fellow, and Honorary Member of The Wildlife Society and received The Society’s Jim McDonough Award in 2000. He is a Professional Member of the Boone and Crockett Club and was elected into the Wyoming Outdoor Hall of Fame in 2023. Ryder holds a B.S.in Wildlife Conservation and Management from the University of Wyoming and a M.S. from the University of Wyoming in Zoology and Physiology. His areas of expertise include big game and large carnivore ecology and management and historical aspects of wildlife conservation.