The administration of wild life by the Bureau of Biological Survey
involves not only research into the habits, distribution, and
requirements of the varieties, and the conservation of fur, game,
insectivorous, and other valuable animals, but also the regulation
of activities of a limited number of certain species that seriously
interfere with the economic interests of man, and, in the case of some
of the larger predators, prey upon valuable game species.
The leadership of the Biological Survey in control operations during
the years since 1915 has been requested and encouraged by State and
other cooperating agencies. The funds made available from these sources
for expenditure under the direction of the district leaders of the
bureau have been far in excess of those provided for the purpose from
the National Treasury. The investigations of the food and other habits,
the geographic distribution, and the relationships of the wild birds
and mammals of the country (including rodents and predators) have been
carried on for almost half a century and provide the basis for the
control work recommended and prosecuted. Research along these lines is
being continued by scientifically trained men and will be expanded as
funds permit.
It is well for the conservation of the wild life of the country that
leadership in the control of injurious species has been delegated to
a governmental organization that is concerned with the welfare of the
various forms and with the administration of wild-life refuges, one
that is charged with the enforcement of wild-life conservation laws,
and one that recognizes the desirability of preserving representatives
of all forms of wild life on suitable areas.