Wildlife Society Inc.

The Wildlife Society, also known as The Wildlife Society Inc., is a prominent U.S. non-profit organization dedicated to wildlife conservation through science, community, and professional excellence. The organization is focused on empowering wildlife professionals to advance conservation efforts globally.

History and Formation

The Wildlife Society was initially formed as The Society of Wildlife Specialists at the North American Wildlife Conference in Washington, D.C., in 1936. It officially became The Wildlife Society in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1937, with its constitution and bylaws adopted the same year. The organization was incorporated on March 25, 1948.

Mission and Objectives

The Wildlife Society's mission is to empower wildlife professionals to advance conservation through science, community, and professional excellence. The organization aims to inspire, enable, and support its members in sustaining wildlife populations and habitats through science-based management and conservation. Its objectives include:

• Wildlife Conservation: Focus on maintaining and improving the sustainability of wildlife populations and habitats.
• Professional Development: Provide resources and networking opportunities for professionals in wildlife biology, research, conservation, and management.
• Policy Influence: Advocate for sound, science-based wildlife policy and management practices.
• Community Building: Foster a diverse and inclusive community of wildlife professionals.

Membership and Structure

The Wildlife Society boasts a diverse membership of over 11,000 individuals, including scientists, managers, educators, technicians, and students. Members are organized into sections, working groups, and chapters, facilitating collaboration and networking across North America and internationally.

Publications and Awards

The Society publishes several distinguished scientific journals:

• Journal of Wildlife Management
• Wildlife Society Bulletin
• Wildlife Monographs

Additionally, it produces The Wildlife Professional, a magazine aimed at its members. The Society also awards excellence in wildlife science and management annually, with notable awards including the Aldo Leopold Award, established in 1950.

Strategic Initiatives

The Wildlife Society’s strategic plan emphasizes building an inclusive community of diverse wildlife professionals, supporting professionals with resources for effective conservation influence, and exercising external influence as a trusted voice in wildlife science and management. The organization maintains a strong ethical code and governance structure to ensure professionalism and integrity in its operations.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wildlife_Society [2] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/52-0788946 [3] https://wildlife.org/who-we-are/ [4] https://wildlife.org/governance-and-financials/ [5] https://wildlife.org