Much of our history starts with the awareness Rachel Carson promoted in her 1962 book, Silent Spring. Since then much legislation has been passed such as National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Clean Air and Water Acts, and the Superfund Program among others. Many issues we work on are the same as those which were prominent in 1962, while others have been recently recognized or produced.
Mission
Consistent with the goals of The Wildlife Society, The Wildlife Toxicology Working Group's goal statement is: The Wildlife Toxicology Working Group works to bring greater awareness and understanding of the effects of environmental contaminants on wildlife.
The Working Group assists TWS members in advancing their knowledge of the principles of wildlife toxicology and procedures for responding to and preventing contaminant problems with wildlife.
The Working Group encourages the use of sound biological information regarding contaminants in wildlife management policy decision making.
The Working Group conducts special sessions and workshops at TWS' Annual Meetings and other forums.
As part of The Wildlife Society, this working group subscribes to the Toxic Chemical Compounds policy statement.
Announcements
2012 student awards
The Wildlife Toxicology Working Group is pleased to announce the availability of a competitive graduate student research award. Students pursuing graduate studies in the area of wildlife toxicology at a college or university in 2012 will be eligible for an award covering costs of travel and registration (up to $500) to The Wildlife Society’s 19th Annual Conference in Portland, Oregon (October 13-18, 2012). Applicants should prepare a research proposal, not more than two pages in length, including a brief introduction, statement of hypotheses being tested, description of methods and statistical design, and discussion of the wildlife management significance of the proposed work. In addition, a curriculum vitae of two-pages or less (name, address, telephone number, email address, academic background, honors, professional experience, presentations and career goals) and the names and addresses of two graduate faculty references are to be included with the submission. A cover letter should briefly describe the submission, and state how the award would further the professional development of the applicant. Applicants must be or become members of The Wildlife Society. Three members of the Wildlife Toxicology Working Group will judge the proposals based on potential significance of the contribution, feasibility, and originality.Only complete applications (two-page proposal, two-page vitae, and cover letter) received by May 18, 2012 at the postal address or e-mail address below will be considered. Awards will be announced by June 30, 2012.
Inquiries and submissions should be made to:
Tom Augspurger, Chair
TWS Wildlife Toxicology Working Group
c/o U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
PO Box 33726 Raleigh NC27636-3726
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The Wildlife Toxicology Working Group's Winter 2012 Newsletter is now available.
2011 WTWG Workshop Summary
In November, the WTWG presented a "Pollutants and Wildlife Management: Ecotoxicology for Biologists and Land Managers" workshop at the national TWS meeting in Hawaii. While the weather and scenery outside was gorgeous, we persuaded four instructors and 9 attendees to learn and discuss the fundamental principles of wildlife toxicology and apply them to two case studies. Tom Augspurger, Katrina Leigh, Harry Ohlendorf, and Louise Venne were instructors for the workshop. Others who helped prepare and review slides and material included Dan Anderson, Carrie Marr, Deb Rudis, and Joe Sullivan. Workshop attendees spanned the experience gradient from novice to practitioner and included university and government employees. All attendees received a binder containing a copy of the slides, a CD with reference materials and a copy of the slides, and information about the WTWG. We received positive feedback from attendees about the workshop. Some suggestions we received were to include newer generation pesticides and rodenticides; increasing the advanced material or even having a workshop geared toward advanced attendees; and to present case studies more from a manager's perspective. We are planning to offer the workshop state-side next fall (TWS annual conference in Portland, OR), with modifications based on the feedback we got at the initial offering as well as a brief survey sent to all participants.
