For Immediate Release

The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) is establishing a so-called International Wildlife Conservation Council within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The council will essentially help Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke promote the international sport trophy hunting industry, by “increasing public awareness domestically regarding the conservation, wildlife law enforcement, and economic benefits that result from U.S. citizens traveling to foreign nations to engage in hunting.”

Statement from Defenders of Wildlife Vice President of Conservation Programs Bob Dreher:

“The narrow-minded focus on sport trophy hunting reflects this administration’s blindness to wildlife conservation. This is a myopic and one-sided approach that ignores the enormous range of conservation efforts across the globe that focus on preserving habitat, protecting imperiled species, combatting wildlife trafficking and promoting non-consumptive ways to enjoy wildlife, like photo-tourism.”

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
eagles
Washington, D.C.

Hundreds of Thousands of Americans Oppose Trump Administration Effort to Roll Back Protections for Imperiled Animals and Plant Species

Nearly 400,000 Americans submitted comments in opposition to a set of proposed rules from the Trump administration that would roll back protections for imperiled animal and plant species.
Image
Florida panther
WASHINGTON, D.C.

Defenders of Wildlife Submits Technical Comments and Over 8,400 Public Comments in Efforts to Stop Harmful ESA Proposals

Defenders of Wildlife today submitted its technical comments opposing the Trump administration’s proposals to weaken the Endangered Species Act’s implementing regulations.