1. What makes The Wildlife Society (TWS) different from other wildlife conservation organisations? What are your primary objectives?

TWS is unique from other wildlife conservation organizations in that we make wildlife management and conservation recommendations based on peer-reviewed scientific data, not emotions or politics. Our objectives are to disseminate wildlife science, advocate for effective wildlife policy and law, and build the active support of an informed citizenry.

2. What sort of awareness programs do you run that contribute towards the conservation of wildlife?

We issue press releases, submit Op Ed pieces to local newspapers, perform interviews with the local media. We reach out to young students through LunchBox Lessons and many of our chapters give presentations and lectures at local public schools. Some of our college members even teach weekend nature classes.

3. What type of certifications do you offer? Do they help in the conservation of wildlife?

TWS is quite unique in its commitment to wildlife in that we are the only organization to certify wildlife biologists, those who manage wildlife populations and their habitats to ensure their survival and quality of living. Indeed, our rigorous academic, experiential, and ethical standards help conserve wildlife by creating and maintaining public confidence in the advice and opinions of Certified Wildlife Biologists as well educated and experienced professionals who have pledged to uphold the Code of Ethics and the Standards for Professional Conduct of the Wildlife Society and to act in the best interest of wildlife resources and the public.

4. Since conservation for wildlife is one of the most important issues facing the environment today, what role can normal people play to help?

The general public can do a great deal to help in wildlife conservation. The most important thing is to realize one's "footprint" - or the amount of resources needed to maintain that person's lifestyle. By conserving resources every day, people allow for resources to remain wild and serve its natural function as wildlife habitat. Can you do your part to help? Can you turn off lights and heat while not in use? Can you cut down your 20-minute hot shower to 5 minutes? Can you combine your shopping trips into one? Can you wait until your dishwasher is full before running? There are so many opportunities in everyone's daily lives to give back to nature and wildlife, which originally gave us the pleasures we enjoy every day. Additionally, consider volunteering for local habitat restoration cleanups or donating to worthwhile charities, like the Wildlife Society.

5. How should parents and schools make their children aware of conservation of wildlife?

Children and parents should realize the opportunities they have everyday to help preserve wildlife habitats (see number 6). We need to change our thinking. Instead of being driven by consumerism, try out volunteerism! It does more good and leaves you with such a sense of accomplishment that outperforms the newest pair of Nikes anytime!

6. What makes wild animals leave their natural habitat in the first place? What are the main contributing factors?

Many factors cause wildlife displacement. The major factors include habitat destruction (conversion of natural habitat to create new homes/cities/roads), climate change (wildlife continually lose more resources they need due to climate change and search for new suitable living conditions), introduction of invasive species (species that are not native to the area that were intentionally or unintentionally put into the wild and outperform the native species), and pollution.