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2004 SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY AWARDS

Edward T. LaRoe III Memorial Award

The Edward T. LaRoe III Memorial Award is given annually to an individual who has been a leader in translating principles of conservation biology into real-world conservation. Preference is given to individuals who have spent at least part of their career in public service.

Jerry Franklin

Jerry Franklin is Professor at the University of Washington and a former U.S. Forest Service biologist. He is a highly accomplished ecologist whose research on structure and function of forests and successional processes following catastrophic changes changed the way we view forest ecosystems. Franklin has published widely in major journals and is recognized internationally for his contributions to theory, practice, and policy in forestry, landscape ecology, and conservation biology. He has engaged actively at the science / policy interface in such high-profile issues as the U.S. Northwest Forest Plan and served on appointed task forces including the Sierra Nevada Ecosystem Project and the Rio Condor Project in Chile. These efforts significantly improved forest management practices across millions of acres. Franklin's work as one of the "Gang of Four" on the Northwest Forest Plan also defused an intense conflict between conservation biologists and the forestry industry. His development of "New Forestry," the application of ecological principles to the management of forestry resources, has been recognized widely. Franklin has an exceptional record of accomplishment in science and of working effectively with others at local, regional and international levels to apply the results of scientific research to management activities in the field.

Distinguished Service Awards

Every year SCB presents its Distinguished Service Awards for outstanding contributions to conservation biology. Recipients are nominated by the SCB membership through the Awards Committee and are selected by the Board of Governors. These awards will be presented at the 2004 meeting.

Individual in Academia
Gerardo Ceballos

Gerardo Ceballos, a professor and researcher at the National University of Mexico's Instituto de Ecología, is one of the foremost ecologists and conservationists in Mexico and Latin America. He is a leader in evaluating conservation status of mammals and was a key proponent of Mexico's first Act for Endangered Species. Ceballos successfully proposed the establishment of several reserves and established the first land easement in Mexico. He conducted the first successful eradication of introduced rodents on an island and is coordinating the reintroduction of black footed ferrets. He is a member of Mexico's National Academy of Sciences and many national and international societies and conservation organizations. Ceballos also has published more than 120 scientific papers and 15 books and directed more than 30 graduate theses on conservation issues.

Outside Government and Academia
The International Crane Foundation

The International Crane Foundation (ICF) works worldwide to conserve cranes and the wetlands and grasslands on which they depend. Founded in 1973 by two idealistic college students, ICF's staff of 40 (including ten Asian and African nationals working in their home countries) now coordinates a network of many hundreds of people active in the five continents where cranes occur. Because cranes need extensive wetlands for survival, ICF action has led to protection of millions of hectares that benefit thousands of species. ICF initiatives are widely known models of excellence and have helped bring cooperation to regions of conflict, including the Russia-China border, the Korean DMZ, and border areas of Vietnam and Cambodia. ICF's research and public education activities worldwide have made cranes among the best known of birds.

Education and Journalism
Bittu Saghal

Bittu Sahgal has emerged as one of India's strongest voices for protecting biodiversity through his policy work to save the country's endangered wildlife as well as his articles and conservation campaigns over three decades. He created and edits two highly respected wildlife magazines and also writes on wildlife and environmental issues in mainstream publications in India and worldwide. He has produced more than 30 wildlife documentaries viewed by more than 50 million Indians. Sahgal played a key role in shaping India's National Wildlife Action Plan. His genuine concern for India's wildlife has made his voice credible in environmental policy circles, and he has been a member of several decision committees of India's Ministry of Environment. Sahgal has helped raise the profile of India's conservation movement to a high level.

Government
A.J.T. Jonsingh

A.J.T. Johnsingh has been instrumental in improving the quality of wildlife science and conservation in south Asia. As faculty at Wildlife Institute of India, he has inspired a generation of motivated wildlife biology students and managers. Johnsingh has catalyzed conservation efforts by employing trained field biologists to work with managers in government departments, ensuring the translation of new information into applied field conservation. Many of his 67 scientific papers on mammals in India are the only source of information on these species. His conservation recommendations have resulted in the formation of and improved protection to many protected areas and endangered species of mammals. Furthermore, he has authored more than 70 popular science writings reaching out to a larger public domain.

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