Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust Case Statement:
Why We Do What We Do

Wild animals face many threats at the hands of humanity. Some of these threats—trapping, live capture for the pet trade, and lethal predator control—have long been focal points of the humane movement.  A leader in this arena, the Humane Society of the United States (Humane Society) has played a critical role in calling attention to and addressing such forms of wildlife abuse and exploitation.

Almost twenty years ago, The Humane Society recognized pervasive and unprecedented habitat destruction and loss of open space as significant risks to wildlife.  Habitat loss and fragmentation endangers the existence of large wildlife populations, and, in many cases, entire species. It is now widely recognized that these human-induced processes are the driving forces behind today’s biodiversity crisis. Indeed, more than 30 percent of the world’s mammals and birds are considered threatened with extinction, with amphibians and reptiles also in precipitous decline. We are in the midst of the planet’s 6th great mass extinction—the first to be caused by humans.

This epidemic in habitat loss represents a profound cruelty against wild animals. In the United States, roughly 5000 acres of land are developed every day. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reports that greater than 85% of our forest habitats have been permanently destroyed or logged, and that more than half of our wetlands have been drained or filled since European settlement. All around us, habitat is being voraciously consumed by human expansion, converted to housing tracts, shopping malls, industrial sprawl, roads, and agriculture lands. Without adequate habitat, wildlife lacks the shelter, food, and security necessary for their survival. Some species, such as large predators, are prone to persecution when they are forced into close proximity with people. Meanwhile, landscapes fractured by development prevent wide-ranging animals from traveling to new areas in search of mates and other resources. These populations ultimately become separated, leading to isolated, small populations that are susceptible to disease outbreaks, inbreeding, and other biological problems. The inability of wildlife to move freely across the landscape becomes all the more alarming in the context of global warming, which will require large shifts in the ranges of certain animals.

The only humane solution to habitat loss is land conservation and connectivity.  In response to this need, The Humane Society established its Wildlife Land Trust (WLT). Globally, a mere 11.5% of land is formally protected, with the vast majority of wildlife habitat already developed or at high risk of development. Even our majestic national parks, though they provide essential refuge for wildlife, aren’t sufficient. True wildlife protection will require more big wild spaces and more corridors of healthy habitat linking populations. With the vast majority of federally threatened and endangered animals (and plants) inhabiting nonpublic land, private land conservation is crucial to creating a future with biodiversity. Now more than ever, wild animals need sanctuaries.

Since 1993, the Humane Society WLT has worked with private landowners to protect wildlife by preserving natural habitats and establishing permanent sanctuaries. Together with our generous donors and volunteers, we have protected thousands of acres of habitat from development throughout the United States and abroad. Our sanctuaries serve as “Shelters Without Walls®” for free-roaming animals. Ranging in size from several to more than two thousand acres, each of these sanctuaries provides habitat for countless species.  To maximize wildlife safety, we take a unique stand in the national land trust community by prohibiting recreational and commercial hunting and trapping on our properties. A humane approach to stewardship demands nothing less.

The Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust recognizes that even modest sanctuaries can yield significant benefits for certain species, including humans. In addition to keeping animals safe, these sanctuaries inspire others toward conservation by serving as models of humane stewardship. We need a grand vision to maximize our habitat protection efforts for wildlife.  Given the magnitude of the crisis before us, the WLT must be both opportunistic and strategic in our approach to saving land. Fortunately, the science of conservation planning provides us with useful maps and other resources to help us chart our path.  We recognize that by itself, one modest organization cannot meet all the challenges. We will continue to become partners with landowners, conservation organizations and others who share our vision to protect and reconnect humane habitats for wildlife.

… to create a humane and sustainable world for all animals—a world that will also benefit people. We seek to forge a lasting and comprehensive change in human consciousness of and behavior toward all animals in order to prevent animal cruelty, exploitation, and neglect, and to protect wild habitats and the entire community of life.

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