For Immediate Release
Washington, DC

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NAS) today issued a report, based on an independent and comprehensive review of the scientific literature, that concludes that the endangered Red Wolf is a taxonomically valid species and a species that must be protected under the Endangered Species Act. The final report is available here.

Jamie Rappaport Clark, Former president and CEO of Defenders of Wildlife, issued the following statement:

“The National Academies’ report is an affirmation for Red Wolves and a clarion call for their conservation. The report confirms that the Red Wolf is a valid and distinct species and is properly listed under the Endangered Species Act. With fewer than 30 remaining Red Wolves left in the wild, the onus is now on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect the Red Wolf before it is driven to extinction. The Service has faltered in that duty for years, based in part on exaggerated doubts about the Red Wolf’s taxonomy. Now it must rescind its indefensible plan to pull back the Red Wolf from the wild and re-commit to the recovery of our most endangered wolf species before it is too late.”

For nearly 80 years, Defenders of Wildlife has worked to protect and restore America’s wildlife at risk of extinction, advancing a vision of a future in which wildlife thrives, sustained by broad public support and a resilient network of healthy lands and waters. With a network of more than 2 million supporters, Defenders is an advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard wildlife for generations to come. To learn more, please visit https://defenders.org/newsroom or follow us on Instagram @defendersofwildlife.  

 

News

Salt Marsh - Cumberland Island
ST. MARYS, GEORGIA

NPS Land Swaps and Visitor Plan Open the Door to Devastating Impacts at Cumberland Island

In advance of a public hearing on proposed land exchanges on Cumberland Island National Seashore, Defenders of Wildlife called on the National Park Service to remedy a host of management issues facing one of the largest undeveloped barrier islands on the East Coast.
2019.08.07 - Florida Panther looking straight at camera - MS 45 - fStop Foundation
WASHINGTON, D.C.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Memo Underscores Trump Administration’s All-Fronts War on Wildlife

Brian Nesvik, director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, issued a memorandum explaining to FWS staff that the Endangered Species Act’s prohibition on unauthorized “take” applies only to affirmative acts intentionally and purposefully directed at a particular animal. This follows the Trump administration’s rescission of the regulatory definitions of “harm” under the ESA, which took effect this week.
Visit the newsroom