The SEM was founded in 1988 at a meeting in Paris to discuss the preparation of a European Mammals Atlas. The purposes of the Society are:

• To promote links between European mammalogists
• To encourage the study and conservation of European mammals
• To carry out projects on European mammals

The Atlas of European Mammals was finally published in 1999 and is now widely used as a reference work

Membership of the Society is open to professional mammalogists, students and all with an interest in the study and conservation of mammals. You can apply to join the Society by registering on this website. Being a member confers no particular benefits, but registered users can submit news items to the website and edit their own submissions.