Announcing the IV International Wildlife Management Congress

[Chris Merkord]

 

 

Join Us in South Africa for the

IV International Wildlife Management Congress

 

South Africa is home to sprawling grasslands, high peaks, lush coastlines, and thousands of plants and animals species—many found nowhere else on Earth. Such diversity makes the country a perfect setting for the IV International Wildlife Management Congress (IWMC), to be held July 9-12, 2012 at the Durban International Convention Centre.

 

The Wildlife Society (TWS) and the Wildlife and Environmental Society of South Africa (WESSA) are proud to host this prestigious gathering of wildlife professionals in partnership with, South Africa National Parks, and EZEMVELO KZN Wildlife. The Congress hopes to attract 1,000 delegates representing countries from around the globe to share their specialized knowledge, learn from one another’s experiences, increase awareness of South African conservation challenges and successes, and build lasting partnerships.

 

According to Paul Krausman, Congress Chair and President-Elect of The Wildlife Society, “South Africa is an ideal venue because of the numerous examples of exemplary practices in wildlife management and the human capacity for building innovations ranging from adaption of scientific developments to community-based natural resource management and empowerment programs to share in the global forum.”

 

Previous International Wildlife Management Congress meetings, held in Costa Rica, Hungary, and New Zealand, have brought together diverse participants including representatives of global organizations, government officials, academics, non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations and other practitioners of wildlife research and management.

 

At the upcoming Congress—expected to be the biggest yet—attendees will engage with the theme “Cooperative Wildlife Management across Borders: Learning in the Face of Change.” Speakers, panels, and technical field trips will touch upon this over-arching idea, delving deeply into issues that include the human dimensions of wildlife management and conservation, recovery of endangered species, trans-border cooperation and conservation, climate change adaptation, habitat restoration and management, and professional development and training.

 

For more information, please visit the Congress website at iwmc2012.org. Check back frequently as the site continues to be to be updated with additional information on speakers, educational field trips, exhibitors, travel details, and more as well as sign-up for the IWMC Twitter feed at twitter.com/#!/IWMC2012.

 

We hope to see you in Durban!

[Chris Merkord]

 

Welcome

Welcome to the International Wildlife Management Congress e-newsletter. The IV IWMC is taking place July 9-12 in Durban, South Africa. The theme of the IV IWMC is Cooperative Wildlife Management Across Borders: Learning in the Face of Change.

 

Sub-themes include:

• Human dimensions of wildlife management and conservation (i.e. conflict, urban, land use)
  
• Professional development and training
  
• Climate change
  
• Wildlife health and disease
  
• Wildlife population management
  
• Endangered species recovery
  
• Invasive species
  
• Trans-border cooperation and conservation
  
• Natural resource use and sustainability
  
• Habitat restoration, modification and stewardship
  

Call for Papers

The deadline to submit a proposal for the IWMC is midnight South African Standard Time on February 29, 2012.

 

The one paragraph abstract should briefly state:

• Objectives: Indicate the purpose of the study or the hypothesis that was tested.
  
• Methodology: Include the setting for the study, the subjects, the diagnosis or intervention, and the type of statistical analysis if appropriate
  
• Results: Present the results of the study.
  
• Conclusions: Briefly discuss the data and emphasize the significance of the results.
  

For complete information on submitting a proposal, including the presentation type (paper, poster, symposium, workshop, or panel discussion) can be located at here.

 

Registration and Accommodations

Conference registration is currently open for the IWMC. You can register securely online. After registering for the conference, be sure to book your accommodations.

 

About The Logo

The four images that make up the IWMC logo represent the global focus of the congress, accompanied by three powerful icons of habitat, people, and animals — the core aspects of wildlife management.

 

The vibrant colors in the logo embody the heart of the South African environment, manifested in sunsets, water, earth, and green vegetation. A Zulu love letter — the symbol in the woman’s earring — has strong connotations of love and care in the Zulu culture, and in this case reflects those sentiments for the earth as mother and guardian.

 

The symbol is widely recognized throughout South Africa, and delegates can expect to encounter it many times during their visit. Slick, modern fonts of Gill Sans and Trade Gothic have been used to demonstrate the progressive outlook of the congress and participating organizations.

 

Go on safari before or after the IWMC with Safari Professionals!

Set in the heart of Zululand, Hluhluwe is the oldest game reserve in all of Africa, where Zulu kings hunted and put the first conservation laws in place. This KwaZulu-Natal Park boasts the largest population of white rhinos in Africa, along with outstanding viewing of leopard, lion, cheetah and elephant. And, it’s only a three hour drive from Durban! Accommodations, breakfast, dinner and game drives are included, along with transfers to and from Durban. $895 per person in twin accommodations for 2 nights/3 days. An optional third night is available for $395.

 

July 6-8 Minimum number of travelers, 10; maximum number of travelers, 30.

July 13-15 Minimum number of travelers, 10; maximum number of travelers, 30.

 

For more information, visit SafariProfessionals.com/TWS or call Tom LaRock at Safari Professionals (800) 779-2146 (office) or (703) 981-447 (mobile).

[Chris Merkord]

Standard Registration Closes Soon

 

We are less than two months from the start of the International Wildlife Management Congress which is taking place in Durban, South Africa, July 9-13. Wildlife professionals from 37 countries will be attending the IWMC. Now is a great time to register for the Congress since Standard Registration closes May 31. You can register securely online here.