Wildlife Definition: Animals living in their natural habitat and not within the possession or control of humans. Related Terms: Ferae Naturae, Domestic Animal, Animal In his article published in the Journal of Environmental Law and Litigation, Michigan State University professor david Favre wrote:"The term wildlife refers to the animals of this earth that are not the property of human beings and are not under direct human dominion and control...."Historically, wildlife have not had independent standing in the legal system. Rather the legal system has presumed that wildlife are available for use and consumption by humans, thus their lower legal status as things."Within the realm of the law, animals are divided into two primary categories: domestic animals within the direct dominion and control of humans, and wildlife that remain outside of human control...."[T]here are many sub-categories, including game animals, endangered animals and feral animals."REFERENCES:Animal Law and Information Center at www.animallaw.info/ Favre, David, Wildlife Jurisprudence, 25 J. Envir. Law and Litigation 459, 461 and 463 (2010) Find you are constantly looking up definitions? Try our search provider (works in most modern browsers) If you find an error or omission in Duhaime's Legal Dictionary, or if you have legal term suggestion, we'd love to hear from you!