2019 was certainly a challenging year for wildlife, but Defenders worked hard and achieved some truly remarkable things. I wanted to take the opportunity as we reach the end of the year to thank you, once again, for all your support throughout the year. We could not have accomplished everything we did without you. As a bit of a reflection, these are some of the stories that you loved most in 2019 that highlighted our tireless fight to protect imperiled species and their habitat. Our work continues in the new year, so be sure to continue to follow us in 2020, share our stories with your friends and speak up and out on behalf of wildlife!
Welcome to the Year of Coexistence
Defenders declared 2019 the Year of Coexistence and spent the year highlighting how far we’ve come and the innovative ways that people are sharing the landscape with wildlife. It was important for us to share the many positive stories from the field amid challenging political times for wildlife.
How Trump’s Wall Would Alter Our Biological Identity Forever
In an exceptional moment of unity, over 2,500 scientists agreed with the irrefutable evidence that the southern border wall is a rampant ecological disaster. This blog looks at how a border wall would destroy an extraordinary web of biodiversity that evolved over millions of years.
The Birth of Hope for Right Whales
In winter calving season of 2019, seven North Atlantic right whale calves were born! Already this December at least one calf has been spotted, with hope for more calves, fewer entanglements and the passage of the SAVE Right Whales Act in the coming year.
Human-caused mortalities remain a primary cause of grizzly bear deaths in the lower 48 states. Since 1998, we have invested over $750,000 on projects in the lower 48 that prevent conflicts between bears and people.
Coming Together to Protect Sea Turtles
Defenders participated in the 39th Annual International Sea Turtle Symposium held in Charleston, South Carolina in February. The week-long event covers topics ranging from sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation to poaching enforcement, and features presentations from some of the leading sea turtle researchers across the globe.
The decline in insect populations over the last few decades has recently come into the spotlight, especially considering the devastating consequences for humans. Defenders of Wildlife works to protect insects and pollinators across the country.
Coexisting with Mexican Gray Wolves: A Tale of Partnerships
In 1998, when I was Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 11 Mexican gray wolves were released back into the wilds of Arizona. Since then, Defenders has been working side-by-side with numerous stakeholders to help reduce conflicts.
The Trump Administration is Pushing Wildlife to the Brink of Extinction
In August, the Trump administration released a suite of new regulations that take a wrecking ball to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the conservation of endangered and threatened species.
Why Do Wildlife Cross the Road?…Because It Cuts Through Their Habitat!
Roads present challenges to the protection of species, their natural habitats, and their unimpeded movement across landscapes, which is why Defenders of Wildlife is very active in reducing the impact that roads have on wildlife survival.
We are celebrating the return of gray wolves to the wilds of the West! Twenty-five years ago, wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park. We will be commemorating this event in 2020 and hope that you will join us.
Author
Jamie Rappaport Clark
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