Armstrong Elected to International Office

Auburn, July 17, 2003 --- Dr. James B. Armstrong, Alabama Cooperative Extension System wildlife specialist and Auburn University associate professor of forestry and wildlife sciences, recently was chosen as chairman-elect of the Wildlife Damage Management Working Group of The Wildlife Society.

With more than 9,000 members worldwide, The Wildlife Society serves as the professional and certification organization for wildlife biologists throughout the United States and approximately 60 other countries. The society also publishes the Journal of Wildlife Management and the Wildlife Society Bulletin, both peer-reviewed publications.

A rapidly growing facet of wildlife sciences, wildlife damage management is concerned with helping people deal with conflicts between humans and wildlife, which are becoming more prevalent as both human and wildlife populations expand. It is a problem that has grown even more acute in recent years as many species have learned to adapt to human activity, Armstrong said. Likewise, larger numbers of humans are encroaching into areas that were once pristine wildlife habitats.

Armstrong and other members of the working group are involved in research to mitigate the effects associated with wildlife damage and to educate individuals about better wildlife management techniques.

The wildlife damage management working group, with more than 300 members, is the largest of several working groups comprising the society.

As chairman, Armstrong will be closely involved in the planning of educational efforts associated with The Wildlife Society’s annual meeting. He will also be responsible for planning and hosting an international symposium on wildlife damage management sponsored by the working group.

Armstrong also will be charged with coordinating international efforts to advise citizens and leaders in all levels of government who are contending with wildlife damage-related problems.

Wildlife damage management has been the major focus of Armstrong’s Extension and research-related efforts throughout his 13-year tenure at Auburn University. He also specializes in what he describes as the “human dimensions aspects” of wildlife damage management--namely how a clearer understanding of human views on wildlife damage can enhance the wildlife biologist’s ability to deal with these issues.

Armstrong also is involved in wildlife field research, most recently a study of coyote depredation. He is planning studies on the ecology of coyotes on the urban/rural interface as well as the impact of feral swine on forestry regeneration.

In addition, he is involved in forest youth education, including the Alabama Cooperative Extension-sponsored 4-H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program and related 4-H efforts.

A native of North Carolina, Armstrong received his bachelor’s degree in biology from Freed-Hardeman University, his master’s degree in wildlife biology from Abilene Christian University, and his doctorate in educational research and evaluation statistics from Virginia Polytechnic and State University.

(Source: Dr. Jim Armstrong, Alabama Cooperative Extension System Wildlife Specialist and Associate Professor of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, 334-844-9233.)