MWG Sub-committees

Focuses on documenting and maintaining up-to-date information on the distribution and ecological patterns of species within the Martes complex. Recent efforts have centered on establishing a network of volunteer “Species Stewards” who will help maintain distribution maps and contribute to Red List assessments, creating a long-term framework for tracking changes in species ranges.

Coordinates the development of global conservation priorities for all 11 species within the Martes complex. The committee is currently advancing threat assessments and developing a framework for species action plans, with the goal of identifying and prioritizing conservation actions across regions and taxa.

The impetus for the GAP was the collaborative paper “A path towards the conservation and recovery of Guloninae species worldwide“ published by MWG members, one outcome of the 8th MWG Symposium held in 2023.

Develops science-based position statements and explores opportunities to strengthen the role of MWG in conservation policy. Current priorities include advancing global wolverine conservation, addressing fisher conservation issues in British Columbia, and building stronger relationships with organizations such as the IUCN Small Carnivore Specialist Group to ensure that scientific knowledge informs management and decision-making.

This sub-committee, along with the MWG Executive Committee, recently endorsed the British Columbia Chapter of The Wildlife Society (BCTWS) Conservation Affairs Committee position statement on the use of fisher exclusion boxes in British Columbia. Download the endorsement and position statement here.

Responsible for planning and delivering MWG’s international meetings. Working to ensure that symposia are scientifically rigorous, inclusive, and engaging, the committee coordinates both the scientific program and logistical arrangements that bring together researchers and conservation practitioners from around the world.

Provides a forum for exchanging ideas, fostering collaboration, and maintaining engagement between international symposia. Through regular virtual sessions, workshops, and student presentations, the group creates opportunities for members from different regions and career stages to share research, discuss emerging topics, and strengthen connections within the MWG community.

Promotes the development and sharing of standardized tools, protocols, and best practices for studying and monitoring Guloninae species. By improving consistency among projects and regions, the group helps ensure that data collected across the world are comparable and useful for conservation and management.