The Wildlife Society

The Wildlife Society. Founded in 1937, it is a premier international non-profit organization dedicated to excellence in wildlife stewardship through science and education. The society serves wildlife professionals across North America and globally, advancing the conservation and management of wildlife populations and their habitats. Its work is grounded in the principles of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation.

History

The organization was established by a group of pioneering wildlife biologists, including Aldo Leopold, who is often considered the father of wildlife management. Its formation was a direct response to the growing need for a scientific, professional approach to wildlife conservation, moving beyond unregulated exploitation. Early meetings were closely associated with the development of the profession itself, often held in conjunction with the North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference. Throughout the 20th century, it grew from a small collective of scientists to a major institution, influencing landmark legislation like the Endangered Species Act and the Pittman–Robertson Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act.

Mission and objectives

The core mission is to inspire, empower, and enable wildlife professionals to sustain wildlife populations and habitats through ethical, science-based management. Key objectives include promoting the application of sound ecological principles, providing professional development and networking opportunities, and enhancing public awareness and appreciation of wildlife. The society upholds a strict code of ethics for its members and advocates for policies informed by peer-reviewed science from institutions like the United States Geological Survey and academic research.

Publications and resources

It publishes several leading peer-reviewed scientific journals, including *The Journal of Wildlife Management*, *Wildlife Monographs*, and the *Wildlife Society Bulletin*. These publications feature critical research on species from gray wolves to greater sage-grouse. The organization also produces technical reviews, policy briefs, and the magazine *The Wildlife Professional*. Its extensive digital library and resource center provide vital tools for practitioners, educators, and agencies such as the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and Parks Canada.

Professional certification

The society administers the Certified Wildlife Biologist® program, a rigorous credential that establishes a national standard for education, experience, and ethical practice in the profession. This certification is highly regarded by employers, including state agencies like the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, federal bodies, and consulting firms. The program requires adherence to a professional code of ethics and continuing education, ensuring certified individuals remain current with evolving science from entities like the Smithsonian Institution.

Advocacy and policy

Engagement in science-based policy is a central function. Its staff and expert members regularly provide testimony to committees in the United States Congress and consult with agencies like the Bureau of Land Management. Policy positions are developed through member-driven working groups and focus on issues such as climate change impacts, habitat connectivity, and sustainable harvest policies, often intersecting with the work of partners like Ducks Unlimited and the National Audubon Society.

Affiliated organizations

The structure includes a network of state and provincial chapters, such as the Texas Chapter and the Ontario Chapter, which address local conservation issues. There are also specialized working groups focused on taxa like ungulates or disciplines like wildlife disease. The society maintains formal partnerships with other major conservation organizations, including the American Fisheries Society and the Society for Conservation Biology, to amplify its impact on landscapes from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to the Everglades. Category:Wildlife conservation organizations Category:Professional associations based in the United States Category:Organizations established in 1937