December 11, 1903 – The world’s first wildlife preservation society is founded

Fauna and Flora International

Fauna and Flora International (FFI), formerly the Fauna and Flora Preservation Society, was the world’s first conservation society.

It was founded on 11 December 1903 in England as the Society for the Preservation of the Wild Fauna of the Empire.

Launched by conservationist Edward North Buxton, its many supporters included both influential people and notable naturalists, but also hunters who were concerned about preserving species for their pasttime of hunting for future years.

Membership reached 100 within the first year.

The primary aim of the Society was the conservation of habitats and species, and to influence legislation towards this end.

Today, the Society still works to improve public education in matters of conservation.

It is involved in captive breeding programmes specifically for the release of vulnerable and threatened species back into the wild.

FFI has sister organisations in the U.S. and Australia, and a subsidiary in Singapore.

FFI currently runs conservation programs and activities in around 40 countries in collaboration with local partner organisations, institutions, communities and authorities.