David E. Wildt

David E. Wildt, Ph.D, Senior Scientist and Head, Center for Species Survival Reproductive Sciences

"David Wildt has carried out multidisciplinary research for 30 years while at Michigan State University, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, the National Institutes of Health and now the Smithsonian National Zoological Park and its Conservation and Research Center. He leads a group of scientists, fellows, students, technicians and volunteers who study the reproductive biology of animals, from fish to elephants...

"The most recent illustration is his leadership of integrated studies of giant pandas in China to resolve ex situ breeding problems. This program involved five Chinese breeding facilities, four North American zoos and more than 50 Chinese and 15 North American scientists representing seven disciplines. Among the products have been new knowledge, cross-cultural trust/partnerships and training opportunities that are benefiting giant panda conservation ex situ and in situ.

"Departmental projects often are linked to Wildt’s relationships within the international conservation and zoo communities through the Conservation Breeding Specialist Group (CBSG) of the IUCN-World Conservation Union’s Species Survival Commission. As former Deputy Chairman of CBSG, Wildt has been involved worldwide in grassroots management, research and recovery programs for endangered species ranging from the small cats of Latin America to the Simian wolves of Ethiopia to the tigers of Sumatra.

"In addition to science administration, Wildt’s current professional interests include (1) promoting research for species for which basic biological information does not exist, (2) securing private sector partnerships to fund conservation research, especially in the life sciences and (3) linking science "stories" and public education including in the developing world.

"He currently serves as chairman of the Wildlife Advisory Board of the Morris Animal Foundation. Wildt has more than 220 publications in the peer-reviewed literature and 30 book chapters spanning more than 50 vertebrate species."

• International Scientific Board of Advisors, Cheetah Conservation Fund

His wife is Susie Ellis.