FARMLAND

While a working farm is not a naturally occurring ecosystem, it is still a habitat for the animals that live in it. The types of animals that we are likely to see on a farm may be considered to be domesticated or tamed, but they all have biological connections to their wild relations. The alpacas that have been raised by the native peoples of Peru for over 5,000 years evolved from another member of their family, the guanaco, which can still be found in the wild. Primitive man first began to domesticate cattle and goats about 9,000 years ago and as cultivation of their natural habitats increased, the herds of wild cattle such as bison, muskox, and water buffalo became almost extinct in the wild.

It was only through careful wildlife management and reintroduction programs that these species can be found anywhere in their natural habitats. Although a farm habitat is generally recognized to be a man-made home and food source for a variety of domesticated animals, within its borders you are also likely to find smaller wild habitats such as streams, grassy areas, and small sections of woods that may house a large assortment of undomesticated creatures such as owls, raccoons, foxes, and snakes.