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Carrying Capacity

The resources in any given habitat can support only a certain quantity of wildlife. As seasons change, food, water, or cover may be in short supply. Carrying capacity is the number of animals the habitat can support all year long.

  • The carrying capacity of a certain tract of land can vary from year to year. It can be changed by nature or humans.
  • Factors that limit the potential production of wildlife include:
    • Disease/parasites
    • Starvation
    • Predators
    • Pollution
    • Accidents
    • Old age
    • Hunting/trapping
Bucket graphic showing factors that determine carrying capacity
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