Nanotechnology in Wildlife Management

Wildlife plays a key role in sustaining the equilibrium of the ecosystem. It is helpful in several ways ranging from preserving the biological diversities to maintaining social ethos. However, an emergent transformation of the world and globalization leads to a climate crisis and habitat loss. Some of the major threats to wildlife include unlawful wildlife trade, invasive species, pollution, and climate change resulting in the deterioration of wildlife day by day. Nanotechnology offers different ways in overcoming these challenges. It is a fast-emerging field with great potential in different sectors, including animal healthcare and nutrition. It also facilitates disease diagnosis and treatment, studying the behavior of animals and prevention of poaching, etc. In therapeutic approaches, nanotechnology is employed in different ways such as the delivery of vaccines, therapeutic agents, wound and fracture management, devices for surgical interventions, etc. Various nanoparticles used in diagnosis are nano-shells, quantum dots, magnetic NPs, etc. Surveillance of the animals using NPs aids in protecting the animals from poaching as well as facilitates the study of animal behavior and maintenance of epidemiological data. Some NPs also help in regulating the homeostasis of animals such as tin-doped indium oxide. It also plays a major role in enhancing the survivability of animals by providing a high interface of food particles, enhancing systemic circulation, and efficient uptake of nutrients. Some NPs act as efficient cargo materials for the delivery of vitamins, minerals, coenzymes, antioxidants and so on which will increase the availability of nutrients. The reproductive capacity of animals is also enhanced by increasing sperm motility using NPs. Here, the current chapter delineates the implementation of nanotechnology in wildlife welfare through disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, surveillance of animals, animal health and nutrition, enhancing reproductive efficiencies, etc.