When were wildlife conservation initiatives first advocated for?

The late 1800s marked a significant period in the history of wildlife conservation initiatives. During this time, increased industrialization and urbanization began to impact natural habitats, leading to the decline of various wildlife populations and prompting public awareness about the need for conservation efforts. Key figures emerged, advocating for the protection of natural resources and the establishment of wildlife preservation policies.

This era saw the first initiatives aimed at conserving wildlife through formal legislation, such as the Lacy Act of 1900, which was rooted in the earlier conservation movements of the late 1800s. The emergence of organizations dedicated to conservation, including the founding of the Boone and Crockett Club in 1887, also reflects this growing awareness and advocacy for wildlife protection during that time.

Understanding this context clarifies why the late 1800s is considered the starting point for organized wildlife conservation advocacy.