Nongame

Nongame is a term used in wildlife management to describe wild animal species that are not pursued as game or commercially exploited for sport. The category encompasses a wide range of taxa, including many birds (such as warblers and thrushes), mammals (such as small rodents and bats), reptiles, amphibians, fish that are not targeted by sport fisheries, and numerous invertebrates. Nongame is a management designation rather than a taxonomic grouping.

The term reflects regulatory and conservation practices rather than biology. Nongame species may be common or rare, secure or threatened. Some nongame species may be legally protected or listed under endangered species laws, while others are not subject to hunting regulations. The distinction between game and nongame can vary across jurisdictions.

Conservation and research: Nongame programs emphasize habitat protection, population monitoring, and ecological research. Data collection often relies on long-term surveys, field studies, and citizen science. Habitat loss, fragmentation, invasive species, pollution, and climate change are common threats.

Funding and governance: In many countries, nongame programs operate within wildlife agencies and are funded through a mix of license revenues, government appropriations, and private contributions. Some programs are supported by dedicated funds or gifts aimed at protecting non-hunted wildlife.

See also: List of nongame wildlife programs, Wildlife management.