Scientists are documenting an unprecedented decline in global biodiversity, mainly driven by human-related activities: land- and sea-use change, climate change, pollution, invasive species, and overexploitation. Although science has helped to identify the major threats at a global scale, there are gaps in our understanding of their potential impact in the United States.

Defenders of Wildlife’s Center for Conservation Innovation examined the threat that these global drivers pose to U.S. species listed under the Endangered Species Act and some of the areas on which they rely.

Read about our first-of-its-kind report that maps out the five drivers of the biodiversity crisis in the U.S.

In partnership with leading academic institutions and conservation organizations, Defenders of Wildlife is conducting a national series of virtual and in-person symposiums in select states to give increased visibility to the biodiversity crisis, generate awareness about its leading drivers, highlight hopeful efforts underway to address its causes, and inspire additional action to address the challenge.

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2019.07.01 - White-Tailed Prairie Dogs - Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge - Colorado - Tom Koerner-USFWS
Tom Koerner/USFWS

Colorado in Focus

Our next biodiversity crisis event is an in-person symposium in Denver, Colorado on February 18th. This in-person symposium features an overview of biodiversity loss in the U.S. and an in-depth look at biodiversity loss in Colorado by a panel of Colorado wildlife and conservation experts.

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Featured Report

U.S. Biodiversity in Crisis: Exploring threats to America’s most imperiled species

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Pledge to Save Biodiversity

The United States needs a National Biodiversity Strategy to save species and nature's benefits to people. Take a stand against extinction and pledge to protect biodiversity. The time is now!

Threats to Biodiversity

Learn about the five drivers to biodiversity loss and how they impact each state with this interactive map.

Why You Should Care: Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the variety of all life on Earth and is critical for a healthy planet. Watch this short explainer to learn why you should care about biodiversity.

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