Adaptive management: reducing uncertainty in wildlife and natural resources decision making
Uncertainty is a common challenge for managers tasked with making wildlife decisions. Adaptive management (AM) can be used to reduce uncertainties when decisions are made iteratively and information is collected about the outcomes of decisions. We focus on advances to AM methodology and a diverse set of wildlife applications.
Addressing Avian Influenza Virus in Research and Practice
Avian Influenza Virus has been an increasing concern for wildlife managers, conservation scientists, and poultry and livestock producers globally. In this symposium, we will explore recent research and management approaches to tackle this complex disease through a One Health lens.
Supported by: TWS Wildlife Diseases Working Group
Applying Forestry Practices to Biodiversity Conservation: Challenges and Opportunities
Come learn about forest management and its connection to biodiversity conservation! Presenters will discuss the history of forestry, challenges of considering multiple management objectives, and how those challenges can become opportunities for biodiversity conservation.
Supported by: TWS Forestry and Wildlife Working Group; TWS Biological Diversity Working Group; National Alliance of Forest Owners; National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, Inc.
Bioeconomic modeling to inform wildlife management
Bioeconomic models combine principles of ecology and economics to better understand the links between species population dynamics and the benefits and damages they incur to user groups in the economy. These tools have seen minimal use in applied wildlife biology but exhibit incredible potential to help solve wildlife management challenges.
Broadening perspectives of rangeland and wildlife management professions
The goal of the symposium is to help wildlife students and professionals understand synergies between rangeland and wildlife management and provide tools, terminology, and resources necessary for integrating rangeland science into wildlife management.
Supported by: TWS Rangeland Wildlife Working Group, Canadian Prairies Prescribed Fire Exchange, and American Bird Conservancy
Coastal and Marine Wildlife Conservation: Challenges, Innovations, and Future Directions
This symposium will highlight major challenges and solutions in coastal and marine wildlife conservation. Presenters will discuss species ecology, habitat management, human dimensions, technological advancements, and policy strategies. This session will provide a foundational discussion for integrating coastal and marine issues into broader wildlife conservation efforts.
Supported by: TWS Coastal and Marine Wildlife Working Group
Communicating Effectively on Contentious Topics: Education and Outreach Focused on Predator Species
The session will focus on ways to communicate effectively on contentious topics, with predators as the theme. Our speaker lineup includes natural resources professionals from different agencies and organizations who communicate with the public, legislators, and other stakeholders through various means on topics involving predators.
Supported by: TWS Conservation Education and Outreach Working Group; TWS Wildlife Damage Management Working Group
Conservation applications of species abundance models for birds (and friends!)
Species abundance models are crucial for evidence-based planning: estimating the absolute impact (and uncertainty) of a decision is good science and builds trust between proponents, policy makers, and the public. This symposium showcases the state-of-the-art in bird abundance models and their application in conservation policy, land-use planning, and attribution.
Supported by: TWS Forestry and Wildlife Working Group
Cumulative Effects Assessment and Management in Northern Ecosystems
Northern wildlife populations and ecosystems face growing pressures due to resource development, expanding human settlement, and climate change. Cumulative effects assessment requires knowledge on the interactions and additive effects among multiple stressors. Understanding impacts on ecosystems is vital for implementing management actions to mitigate potential negative effects on northern values.
Supported by: Wildlife Conservation Society of Canada
Disabilities, Neurodiversity, and Advocacy in Academia and the Workplace
This symposium and panel discussion will showcase professional stories about personal and ally advocacy for the disabled and neurodiverse community. The objective of this session is to heighten the visibility of disabilities and neurodiversity in the wildlife profession, foster community, and advance dialogue around advocacy and awareness.
Supported by: TWS Disabilities, Neurodiversity, and Advocacy Working Group
Ecological theory applications for conservation
Foundations of ecology are captured by ecological theory, typically using models to describe ecological processes. Many of these principles have ramifications for conservation and wildlife management. We will address a range of topics where models address applications for conservation.
Supported by: University of Alberta
Ecology and Management of Mesocarnivores
This symposium will focus on ecology and stewardship of mesocarnivores, examining the challenges these species face globally. Discussions will explore the implications of changing trapping regulations, cross-jurisdictional collaboration and evolving wildlife management strategies. We will seek to understand how these changes impact mesocarnivores and people through ecological, social, cultural and management perspectives.
Ecology and Management of Moose
This symposium will highlight the latest research on moose populations, habitat use, and conservation strategies. Experts will discuss ecological trends, climate change impacts, and management practices to ensure sustainable moose populations. Attendees will gain insights into cutting-edge research and collaborative efforts shaping moose conservation.
Fire as a driver of animal interactions and populations
Of the Earth’s land surface, 70% burns ≥ once every 100 years and 40% is considered fire-maintained. Interactions among animals and with their environment are shaped by fire. Here, we will explore how fire affects animal populations directly and indirectly by maintaining habitat and influencing predation and competition.
Supported by: Slough Conservation Area, Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, and The Jones Center at Ichauway
Game Bird Translocation
The success of translocation as a conservation tool for population recovery has varied widely among and within species. This symposium will highlight recent translocations of grouse and quails in the United States. A panel discussion will follow to synthesize efforts as well as identify potential future direction to increase efficacy.
Supported by: Tall Timbers Research, Inc.
Integration of Nutrition into On-The-Ground Management: Potential and Challenges
Wildlife nutrition plays a fundamental role in population performance and ecosystem balance. This symposium will explore the critical, often overlooked, role of nutrition in applied management. Experts will present nutritional ecology research across diverse taxa and ecosystems, demonstrating the potential to inform management and the challenges of on-the-ground application.
Supported by: TWS Nutritional Ecology Working Group
Mountain sentinels in a changing world: population ecology and conservation of mountain goats in North America
To inform wildlife scientists and managers about the state of our knowledge regarding mountain goat status and population ecology in order to address conservation challenges across their range.
Supported by: The Rocky Mountain Goat Alliance
One Health in Action
Rooted in Leopold’s Land Ethic, One Health recognizes that humans, animals, and environment are inseparable and mutually influential. This integrated approach reflects what many wildlife professionals already practiced addressing complex ecological issues through collaboration and systems thinking. By recognizing the overlap between human, animal, and environment health, using one health lens can increase the relevance of wildlife conservation to broader societal goals, unlock new funding opportunities, and more sustainable, impactful outcomes. This session will highlight real-world examples of One Health in action—from research and fieldwork to policy and management. Attendees will learn practical ways to incorporate One Health principles into their work, helping them make the case for conservation in terms that resonate across disciplines and communities. Whether you’re new to the concept or looking to deepen your understanding, this session will provide tools and inspiration to embrace One Health with confidence.
Supported by: Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
Research, Management, and Education on Private Lands: Innovative Methods for the Future of Wildlife
This session will look beyond the borders of publicly owned and managed lands to highlight innovative approaches being taken for wildlife conservation, research, and education on private and working lands across North America.
Supported by: TWS Private & Working Lands Working Group; TWS Biological Diversity Working Group
Rewilding and Landscape-Scale Ecosystem Restoration: A Wildlife Perspective
Organized by the Habitat Restoration (HRWG) and other working groups, this symposium will build on symposia and panel discussions presented over the past 6 years in support of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Our objective is to provide guidelines and demonstrate the benefits of large-scale restoration and rewilding.
Supported by: TWS Indigenous Peoples’ Wildlife Management Working Group; TWS International Wildlife Management Working Group; TWS Military Lands Working Group
Sharp-tailed Grouse Conservation and Management in North America
Sharp-tailed Grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) have the second largest range of any grouse species in North America and are becoming a topic of conservation concern across their range due to degradation of habitat, disturbance of leks, nesting sites, and roosting sites, and range-wide population declines.
State-of-the science for reducing bat mortality at wind energy facilities
The cumulative impact of bat mortality from wind-energy facilities is a growing concern worldwide. Researchers will present the state-of-the science for reducing bat fatalities at wind energy facilities. Representatives from the wind energy industry and regulatory agencies will share the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing these approaches.
Supported by: Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc (WEST)
The ecology of polar bears in a changing Arctic
The Arctic is changing 4x faster than the global average and has experienced unprecendeted rates of sea ice loss. Ice obligate species such as polar bears are particularly vulnerable. Because polar bears are apex predators they can provide insights into the health of the Arctic marine ecosystem
Wetland and Wildlife Stewardship in Canadian Boreal Forest Management
Sustainable forest management in Canada’s boreal region requires a balanced approach that integrates wildlife and habitat considerations across a large, diverse landscape. This symposium explores innovative projects and partnerships that support species, biodiversity, and habitat stewardship in Canada’s forest management sector, with a focus on boreal wetlands.
Wildlife Policy and Governance in Canada: Next Steps
As a follow-up of the Canadian Section of The Wildlife Society’s (CSTWS) Symposium on Wildlife Policy and Governance in Ottawa, Canada in April 2025, this Symposium provides a summary and next steps in how the CSTWS and TWS can engage and influence federal policy and legislation of wildlife in Canada.
Supported by: Canadian Section of The Wildlife Society (CSTWS)
Wildlife Research in Alberta’s Oil Sands: Challenges, Insights, and Conservation Applications.
This symposium explores ecological impacts of Alberta oil sands development on birds, mammals, and wildlife communities. This session will foster interdisciplinary collaboration across institutions informing conservation, highlighting research on habitat alteration, species responses, and Indigenous-led initiatives. Discussion will address key challenges and solutions managing wildlife in this rapidly changing landscape.
WomenX at Work: Stories of Wildlife Research and Management
This symposium focuses on the work of womenX through a series of presentations on wildlife research and management topics that exemplify the leadership roles that womenX play within our field. Highlighting the amazing and diverse work that womenX contribute normalizes womenX as leaders in this field and The Wildlife Society.
Supported by: TWS Women of Wildlife Community Team