1. Wildlife make an important contribution to the rural economy; generating jobs, income and profits from food and sporting enterprises, and contributing in less direct ways by bringing pleasure from viewing and learning. This paper reviews the literature regarding the contribution made by wildlife to the rural economy and to British society more widely. The review focuses on UK studies published in peer-reviewed journals and official web-based sources in the last 20 years. 2. Traditional activities such as deer stalking remain an important source of wealth and employment, but their overall contribution is declining relative to non-consumptive uses such as wildlife tourism. 3. Much of the literature focuses on the negative impacts of mammals on commercial activities such as agriculture and forestry, even though these impacts are relatively insignificant in economic terms at both regional and national levels. 4. Wild meat provides a niche in the contemporary food market, but, although demand is growing, growth is handicapped by a fragmented supply chain and lack of marketing. 5. In comparison with other rural resources such as farming, the contribution made by wild mammals to the rural economy appears small, even in relatively remote regions, but this may partly reflect gaps in the literature regarding their contribution via less formal markets, hobby activities, and in supporting ecosystem equilibrium.
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