Mission
As David Jablonski recently observed, "our species . . . is on the brink of causing, single-handedly, the worst mass extinction in 65 million years." Drawing upon the findings from island biogeography studies, Norman Myers estimates that we are losing between 50-200 species per day, a rate 120,000 greater than the background rate during prehistoric times. Worse still, the rate is accelerating rapidly. By the year 2000, we may have lost over one million species, counting back from three decades ago when this trend began. By the middle of the next century, as many as one half of all species may face extinction. For an updated assessment of projected biodiversity losses during this century, see UNEP's Global Environmental Outlook 3 (2002) report.

Species extinction of this magnitude has profound implication from both a utilitarian and moral perspective.

The law and associated legal institutions have an important, albeit not exhaustive, role to play in our efforts to stem the tide of species loss. In the case of species where international trade contributes to their diminution, or migratory species that require the protection of habitat in two or more countries, international agreements and regional accords can be a critical component of conservation initiatives.

The purpose of the International Wildlife Law Project of ABILA's International Environmental Law Committee is to contribute to the objective of conserving endangered wildlife species by helping to strengthen international wildlife treaty regimes, regional accords and national legislation that implements international treaty regimes. The group's efforts focus on scholarship and public education efforts.

Organization/Governance
The Wildlife Committee was established in 2004, under the rubric of the American Branch of the International Law Association (ABILA), which provides for the creation of Committees to further its mission. The Committee was originally incorporated (in 1984) as an interest group of the American Society of International Law.

The Director of the Project is Wil Burns.