About & Governance >Our Mission & Vision
Advancing the Conservation of the Martes Complex
The Martes Working Group (MWG) is a global wildlife nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and recovery of the small carnivores within the Martes complex.
Founded in 1993, MWG brings together a collaborative community of scientists, researchers, students, and conservation professionals. Our work spans continents and ecosystems, connecting experts and advocates who are committed to the long-term survival of these unique forest carnivores.
Our Mission
MWG’s mission is to promote science-based conservation, research, and collaboration focused on the 11 diverse species within the Martes complex. MWG is one of the few groups globally that focuses exclusively on the needs of the Martes complex species.
We strive to:
Generate and share Martes' research and data
Support the development of monitoring tools and conservation methods
Strengthen forest ecosystem resilience through small carnivore recovery
Encourage mentorship and leadership opportunities within the Martes research community
Facilitate global collaboration among scientists and conservationists
Our Vision for the Future
MWG envisions a world where martens, fishers, tayras, and wolverines are thriving across their full ecological range - both past and present. Through scientific exchange and international collaboration, we support a unified approach to Guloninae conservation that emphasizes habitat connectivity, ecological balance, and species resilience.
Our vision includes:
A growing network of professionals united by a shared commitment to Martes conservation
Expanded access to research tools, training, and publication opportunities
Conservation solutions that are locally informed and globally coordinated
Why Our Work Matters
The species in the Martes complex play crucial roles in maintaining the health and balance of the ecosystems they inhabit. By managing prey populations, dispersing seeds, and reflecting ecosystem stability, they contribute significantly to ecological function and are often considered keystone species.
Despite their importance, many of these species remain poorly understood or underrepresented in conservation strategies.
MWG helps fill this knowledge and action gap by:
Supporting international research and conservation projects as well as long-term monitoring
Elevating Guloninae-focused research through our peer-reviewed Martes Working Group Journal
Offering platforms for collaboration at symposia, working groups, and community events
Your Commitment Can Shape Global Conservation
Whether you are a researcher, student, land manager, or conservation advocate, Martes Working Group invites you to join us in our mission to secure the future of the Martes complex. Our flexible membership options are designed to make participation accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances or career stage.
Whether you are just beginning your journey in wildlife conservation or have decades of experience, there is a place for you in our global community.