Wilson Gets Audubon Prize For Protection

Famed biologist E.O. Wilson's list of credentials just got a little longer.

Wilson, who is Pellegrino University Professor, was awarded the Audubon Medal from the National Audubon Society at its annual dinner last Thursday night at the Waldor Astoria hotel in New York City.

The award is given for achievement in conservation and environmental protection.

Wilson's contributions to conservation include devising the first mathematical theory of species equilibrium, which helped explain the processes of extinction among species.

He has also spent the last year advising member of Congress on strengthening the Endangered Species Act.

The prize adds to the long list of tributes Wilson has received in his career, which include two Pulitzer Prizes for nonfiction.

He won his first one in 1979 for "On Human Nature" and his second in 1991 for "The Ants," a gigantic volume that served as the basis for the popular computer game SimAnt.

Wilson is also well-known with students for his popular Core course Science B-45: "Evolutionary Biology."