Final answer:
Sport hunting can be a dual-edged sword; while it poses risks to wildlife populations if not managed properly, it can also serve as a conservation tool by providing financial incentives for habitat protection and sustainable management when well-regulated.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sport hunting has been a controversial topic, with arguments both supporting and refuting its role as a conservation tool. On one hand, hunting can be excessive and lead to the overexploitation of wildlife, their ecological functions, and can diminish political will to protect natural habitats.
On the other hand, hunting provides significant income for conservation efforts in some regions and can incentivize the protection and sustainable management of wildlife and their habitats. For instance, hunting licenses and the spending on wildlife-related activities have contributed to the financing of vast conservation areas in North America.