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Sea Otter
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA

Defenders-Sponsored Bill to Help Fund Sea Otter Conservation Heads to Governor for Signature

The California state legislature today voted to re-establish the California Sea Otter Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund, providing residents with the opportunity to directly support this iconic animal.
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North American beaver
WASHINGTON, D.C.

Bipartisan Bill Promotes Nonlethal Solutions to Decrease Human-Wildlife Conflicts

Defenders of Wildlife commends the leadership of Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Steven Daines (R-MT) for introducing S.5234, the Human-Wildlife Conflict Reduction Act, which would promote the use of nonlethal solutions to reduce human-wildlife conflicts, including those between predators and livestock and harm caused by wildlife to human infrastructure.
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okee
South Korea

Defenders Celebrates Vote to Add Okefenokee Refuge to UNESCO World Heritage List

The United Nations World Heritage Committee voted to add the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge to its World Heritage List.

Press Releases

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Endangered Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus), Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Florida
Washington, D.C.

Over 150,000 Americans Oppose Trump Administration’s Unprecedented Effort to Eliminate Habitat Protections for Vulnerable Wildlife

Over 150,000 Americans have opposed a proposed rulemaking by the Trump administration to eliminate major habitat protections for endangered species in the U.S. after it was unveiled in April — and as the period for public input concludes today.
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sandhill crane
Washington, D.C.

Defenders Strongly Opposes Proposed Rescission of ESA “Harm” Definition

Defenders of Wildlife today submitted formal comments opposing the Trump administration’s proposed rule to rescind the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act.
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US Capitol Building Washington DC
Washington, D.C.

Defenders Opposes Reckless Reconciliation Energy Permitting Provisions in House Energy and Commerce Reconciliation Bill

Defenders of Wildlife strongly opposes the energy permitting provisions proposed in the draft Energy and Commerce Committee section of the House budget reconciliation bill.
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I'iwi bird - red bird on plant
Washington, D.C.

New Research Paper Finds Gaps in ESA Habitat Conservation Plan Program, Identifies Solutions

A new research paper by Defenders of Wildlife’s Center for Conservation Innovation on the Endangered Species Act’s Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) program reveals concerning information gaps inhibiting the complete assessment of the program’s impact and conservation outcomes.
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Brown Headed Cowbirds
Washington, D.C.

Defenders Applauds Rep. Huffman for New Migratory Bird Protection Act

Defenders of Wildlife today applauds Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA) for his introduction of the Migratory Bird Protection Act of 2025.
Senior Vice President, External Affairs
lsheehan@defenders.org
(202) 772-3244
Communications Director
mdewane@defenders.org
(202) 772-0217
Communications Specialist
jcovey@defenders.org
Communications Specialist
kirby@defenders.org
(202) 772-3268
Communications Specialist
estern@defenders.org
202-772-0243