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WORKING GROUPS

Working groups are forums for members with common professional interests to network, exchange information and promote science based decision making and management of wildlife and its habitats. Working groups publish newsletters, hold meetings, conduct policy analysis, and organize technical symposia and workshops. Whether you’re seeking information or are an expert on a subject, working groups have much to offer you, including the opportunity to: advance your skills in core or emerging areas of the wildlife profession, advance science about a particular area of concern by the profession, network with colleagues in your area of expertise, keep up with the latest information in your professional subdiscipline, participate in special projects related to your professional interests, promote science-based policy and management of wildlife and habitats.

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Start a new working group

Don't see a group dedicated to your area of focus? Reach out to msimmons@wildlife.org to propose a new working group.

Our Network

30 Areas of Focus

The 30 working groups at The Wildlife Society cover a wide range of specific focuses. Find the right one for you and get involved with a working group of professionals to expand your network and make a difference in an area that matters to you.

Thousands of Dedicated Members

Members of The Wildlife Society range from scientists, agency professionals, students, educators, technicians, panners, consultants, and others who manage, conserve, and study wildlife populations and habitats. Our members are dedicated to helping spread the word and take action on important wildlife and habitat issues across North America.

Biological Diversity Working Group

The Biological Diversity Working Group provides an opportunity for TWS members to exchange research and management information relative to the conservation of biological diversity and to contribute to the development of policies and programs that promote the conservation of biological diversity.

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Biometrics Working Group

The Biometrics Working Group promotes the development and application of biometrical methods in the study and management of wildlife resources.

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Climate Change and Wildlife Working Group

The mission of the Climate Change and Wildlife Working Group is to foster research, professional development, and information exchange on contemporary climate change, impacts on ecological systems, and responsive natural resource management for members of The Wildlife Society.

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Coastal and Marine Wildlife Working Group

The Coastal & Marine Wildlife Working Group encompasses both coastal and marine biology, including a diverse array of topics and species including marine mammals, sea turtles, sharks, sea/shorebirds, and more. We welcome students & professionals to join our mission of increasing collaboration and knowledge of the marine/ coastal wildlife field.

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CUEWG

College and University Education Working Group

The College and University Education Working Group of The Wildlife Society fosters the professional development of TWS members working as college/university educators, and improves the quality of higher education in wildlife ecology and conservation.

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CDDWG

Conservation Detection Dogs Working Group

The Conservation Detection Dog Working Group provides a forum for communication and networking between professionals interested in the conservation detection dog methodology.

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Conservation Education and Outreach Working Group

The Conservation Education and Outreach Working Group (CEOWG) of The Wildlife Society works to instill and foster a land ethic and an understanding of ecological principles among today’s citizens.

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DNAWG

Disabilities, Neurodivergence, and Allyship Working Group

For more information please contact tws.dna.wg@gmail.com

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Drone Working Group

The primary mission of the Drone Working Group is to provide support and information to those in The Wildlife Society that use small unoccupied aerial systems (sUAS), or more commonly called drones, in natural resources/wildlife research and management and to see the use of this technology in our profession move forward professionally, ethically, and legally.

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Early Career Professional Working Group

The Early Career Professional Working Group is dedicated to addressing the challenges and opportunities that early career wildlife professionals encounter.

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Forestry and Wildlife Working Group

Forest management decisions affect a large array of wildlife species and habitats. The impacts that forestry has on wildlife occur at multiple spatial scales and range across ownership types including National and State Forests, industrial timberlands, and small private woodlots.

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HRWG

Habitat Restoration Working Group

The Habitat Restoration Working Group provides a forum for TWS members to share experiences, techniques, and information relative to restoring wildlife populations and degraded habitats.

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HDWG

Human Dimensions Working Group

The Human Dimensions Working Group promotes the study and transfer of information relative to human dimensions, social aspects, and policy related to wildlife management.

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Hunting, Trapping, and Conservation Working Group

The Hunting, Trapping, and Conservation Working Group promotes exploring issues associated with hunting and trapping relative to conservation and management of wildlife resources.

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Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Awareness Working Group

The Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Awareness Working Group promotes the involvement of minorities and women in the wildlife and natural resource professions, especially in areas such as student recruitment, conservation education, and professional development.

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International Wildlife Management Working Group

The International Wildlife Management Working Group provides a forum for TWS members to network with wildlife professionals from around the world on a wide range of issues pertaining to wildlife management and habitat conservation.

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Invasive Species Working Group

The Invasive Species Working Group promotes the control, mitigation, and prevention of invasive species’ introduction to improve natural resources for wildlife.

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Logo for Latin American and Caribbean Working Group. Features TWS logo and a butterfly.

Latin American and Caribbean Working Group

The Latin American & Caribbean Working Group is committed to advancing and representing international and domestic Latin Americans and Caribbeans in The Wildlife Society and the wildlife profession at large.

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MLWG

Military Lands Working Group

The Military Lands Working Group is intended to provide opportunities for members to exchange information, meet professionals dealing with similar situations, and promote awareness of natural resource conservation requirements on Department of Defense lands. Contact: tws.mil.lands.wg@gmail.com

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Molecular Ecology Working Group

The Molecular Ecology Working Group aims to promote scientific advancement applying molecular techniques to wildlife ecology, management, and conservation.

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Native Peoples’ Wildlife Management Working Group

The Native Peoples' Wildlife Management Working Group serves as a forum and resource for members of The Wildlife Society to share ideas and information on relevant issues and topics impacting Native American wildlife management. 

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Nutritional Ecology Working Group

The Nutritional Ecology Working Group serves as a forum to facilitate communication and exchange of information related to advancing the science of nutritional ecology as it pertains to conservation and management of wildlife populations.

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RWWG

Rangeland Wildlife Working Group

The Rangeland Wildlife Working Group promotes unified efforts in managing rangelands for both wildlife and sustainable use by people.

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REWG

Renewable Energy Working Group

The Renewable Energy Working Group will focus on wildlife and ecological issues associated with the siting, construction, and operation of renewable energy generating facilities.

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SETWG

Spatial Ecology and Telemetry Working Group

The Spatial Ecology and Telemetry Working Group provides an opportunity for TWS members to address issues of concern to the GIS community and to advance their own skills and understanding of GIS, remote sensing, and telemetry technologies.

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Student Development Working Group

The Student Development Working Group of The Wildlife Society promotes increased student awareness of TWS membership benefits, works to expand knowledge and technical capabilities of student members, and helps prepare student members for professional wildlife careers.

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UWWG

Urban Wildlife Working Group

The Urban Wildlife Working Group provides a forum for TWS members to exchange information relative to urban wildlife and the management of urban wildlife habitat.

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Wetlands Working Group

The purpose of the Wetlands Working Group is to provide a forum for TWS members with common professional interest to communicate, exchange information, facilitate continuing education and increase public awareness

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Wildlife Damage Management Working Group

The Wildlife Damage Management Working Group promotes better understanding of the challenges of managing human-wildlife conflicts and provides a forum for TWS members to advance their skills and knowledge of wildlife damage management practices.

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WDWG

Wildlife Diseases Working Group

The Wildlife Diseases Working Group provides a forum for networking and communication among wildlife professionals interested in management, research, education, and administration of wildlife disease issues.

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