Defenders of Wildlife applauds New Mexico for its historic effort to expand the tools and authority needed to manage all state wildlife, and for renaming its Department of Game and Fish and State Game Commission to the Department of Wildlife and State Wildlife Commission. Defenders of Wildlife Southwest Director Bryan Bird issued the following statement to celebrate the news:

“This rewrite of wildlife law significantly broadens and strengthens the state's ability to manage its incredible diversity of wildlife — from beyond those we hunt and fish to the imperiled wildlife in dire need of our support, like the pinyon jay and the Gila Monster. Defenders of Wildlife has been advocating for nearly a decade to modernize wildlife management in New Mexico and is thankful the state is now better equipped to address the needs of this enchanted landscape and the creatures who call it home."

New Mexico Senate Bill 5, Game Commission Reform, was signed into law on March 20. 

For over 75 years, Defenders of Wildlife has remained dedicated to protecting all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With a nationwide network of nearly 2.1 million members and supporters, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife for generations to come. To learn more, please visit https://defenders.org/newsroom or follow us on X @Defenders.

  

News

Image
Laura Nunes
Washington, D.C.

Defenders’ Laura Nunes Named to Prestigious ESIIL Working Group

Defenders of Wildlife scientist Laura Nunes has been selected to join the Environmental Data Science Innovation & Impact Lab’s third cohort of working groups.
Image
bobcat climbing rocks
Washington, D.C.

Defenders of Wildlife Partners with Rep. Don Beyer on Monumental Corridors Act

Defenders of Wildlife today celebrated the introduction of the Wildlife Corridors and Habitat Connectivity Conservation Act of 2026, a landmark bill that would establish a national framework for identifying, designating and protecting wildlife corridors across the country.