What was a key lesson learned from the overpopulation events on the Kaibab Plateau?

The key lesson learned from the overpopulation events on the Kaibab Plateau is that conservation involves more than merely protecting populations. The Kaibab Plateau experienced dramatic shifts in deer populations due to a lack of natural predators and the implementation of strict hunting regulations. This led to an overpopulation of deer, which ultimately caused severe environmental degradation and a decline in the health of the deer herd itself.

This situation highlighted the importance of managing wildlife populations through a balanced approach that includes hunting as a tool for population control, rather than simply protecting all wildlife indiscriminately. Effective conservation requires considering ecological balance, habitat health, and the role of predation and hunting in maintaining sustainable wildlife populations. Thus, it illustrates that successful conservation strategies must encompass a broader perspective that includes active management rather than a sole focus on protection.