Wildlife Study Guide

Diverse wildlife populations are valuable from many standpoints, as indicators of a healthy ecosystem, for recreation, and for aesthetics. Understanding a species' requirements and habits is the first step in ensuring the continuing existence of that particular animal. Proper protection and management of an animal's habitat will encourage optimum populations.

To help you meet the Wildlife Objectives, study the fact sheets on the Wildlife Study Guide Links page. The primary source of written test questions will be from the Wildlife Study Guide Links page. The primary source of hands-on test questions will be from the Training Trunks. In addition, you should use any local resources available to you.
Quick Navigation
a. Wildlife Study Guide
b. Wildlife Objectives
c. Wildlife Study Guide Links
d. 2023 Wildlife PowerPoint
e. Sample Test  @
2023 Wildlife PowerPoint Presentation
Click here to preview and download the PowerPoint presentation with notes. (To download, click "File > Download".) 
Study Tips
  • Review the New Jersey Wildlife Objectives. Identify your team's existing strengths and weaknesses.
  • Understand the objectives as they relate to this year's Current Issue.
  • Visit the Wildlife Study Guide Links page and study the materials there. These links will be a significant (but not total) source for written wildlife test questions. Hands-on questions may come from a broader range of sources, including the Training Trunks.
  • Contact the Coordinator if you'd like to be put in contact with past participants and teachers in order to learn more about their experiences.
  • Plan to participate in the Training Sessions.
  • Obtain the Training Trunks and study materials.
  • Contact your local conservation district, nature centers, and other natural resource agencies or groups. Ask them if they have any programs or materials that might help you deepen your understanding of the objectives.
1.  A large portion of the wildlife written test will come from materials on the online study guide. Species highlighted in the written wildlife questions tend to be either:
  • common backyard or neighborhood species;
  • species of special concern in New Jersey (e.g. on New Jersey's Threatened and Endangered Species List, or of special economic/cultural importance);
  • species found in habitats typical of this year's host site;
  • species related to the Envirothon Current Issue for this year


2.  The hands-on test, however, is more wide-ranging due to the nature of this testing format and the availability of specimens, etc. Students should expect hands-on questions that include identification from mounts, photos, tracks, sign, calls, silhouettes, etc., as well as habitat and management questions that rely upon maps, diagrams and photos.


3.  Most of the wildlife test questions are multiple choice, true/false and matching. Always read the questions thoroughly before proceeding to mark your answer.


4.  APPOINT & PRACTICE: Some teams prefer to appoint one or two students to take the lead in each of the topics, thus becoming the team’s “expert” on a topic. This is helpful to focus your studies; however, keep in mind that all students should still study for all sections (just in case you have a last-minute illness).  Your team should practice solving problems and completing test questions as a group.


5.  REACH OUT: Contact your local nature center, conservation group, or other environmental professionals. If feasible, take a trip to explore habitats similar to those at the host site.


6.  RELAX: This is NOT a traditional standardized test! Students should strive to excel, but should not expect to earn scores of 100 percent. The Envirothon is about much more than a final score! You'll broaden your knowledge base. You'll interact with various conservation professionals. You'll gain experience researching and solving problems as a team. Relax and have fun - you'll be surprised how much you learn along the way!


7.  GET OUTDOORS! Go bird watching, hiking, look for animal tracks and sign.