The World Pheasant Association (WPA) has achieved international recognition by conducting invaluable work on the conservation of the Galliformes, some of which are highly threatened. Examples of this work include intensive habitat and population surveys, many of which have resulted in the establishment of national parks and protected areas, and increased awareness and education of people about the importance of their local birds and habitat. WPA also works with private breeders and zoos around the world through Taxon Advisory Groups and other networks. These groups aim to promote good husbandry techniques and establish genetically viable captive populations which can be used for education, behavioural research and as a backup to the risks to wild populations.
WPA is also the umbrella organisation for five Galliformes Specialist Groups: Cracid, Grouse, Megapode, Pheasant, and Partridge, Quail and Francolin. These specialist groups operate under the joint parentage of WPA and the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of IUCN – The World Conservation Union. WPA has been the driving force behind the production of Action Plans for all five groups, compiling all the available information on the status, threats and action required to protect species, and making it available to conservation planners.
There is now a single Galliform Specialist Group covering all of the species. The co-chairs are Dr Peter Garson, (Newcastle University, UK) and Ilse Storch, (University of Freiburg, Germany).
The threats to species and the environment in which they and we live are accelerating. WPA is continuously working towards saving species in their natural habitat, but this greatly relies on generous donations from our supporters. If you would like to find out how you can contribute, please visit the
Membership section of the website.