What is a characteristic of an effective control method for animal populations?

An effective control method for animal populations should exclusively target the selected animal species to ensure the desired reduction or management of that specific population. This characteristic is crucial because if a control method does not specifically target the intended species, it could lead to overpopulation or unintended collateral impacts on non-target species, which may disrupt the ecosystem. By focusing solely on the targeted species, the method can help maintain ecological balance while reducing the negative impacts of that species on agriculture, human health, or native wildlife.

The emphasis on targeting the selected species helps prevent scenarios where broader control measures might inadvertently affect protected species or alter the dynamics of the ecosystem, leading to further complications. It is important that control methods be designed with specificity in mind to maximize their effectiveness and minimize unintended consequences.