From the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico, the 2,000-mile U.S.-Mexico border passes through regions rich in biological diversity and communities engaged in conservation. For decades, U.S. and Mexican agencies, nonprofits, universities and ranchers, retirees and others have teamed up to restore rivers, streams, forests, grasslands and at-risk wildlife, to keep habitat linkages intact and to protect large natural areas. 

In the Shadow of the Wall, a two-part Defenders of Wildlife report, explores these and other conservation consequences of extending the wall along the U.S.-Mexico border in detail. Part I: Wildlife, Habitat and Collaborative Conservation at Risk provides an overview of how the wall affects wildlife, habitat, human communities, conservation and binational collaboration. Part II: Conservation Hotspots on the Line profiles five hotspots along the border—areas with high biological diversity created and preserved by significant investments in conservation lands and conservation projects. Hotspot by hotspot, Part II gives voice to the scientists, agency and conservation group employees, tribe members and citizens whose stories make a compelling case against the wall.

TAKE ACTION: Building a massive, impenetrable barrier along the U.S.-Mexico border would wreak havoc on wildlife, critical habitat and communities. Tell Congress not to use your taxes to fund the end of the road for wildlife!

Executive Summary

In The Shadow of the Wall: Part - 1 - Borderlands, Wildlife, Habitat and Collaborative Conservation at Risk

In the Shadow of the Wall: Part 2 - Borderlands Conservation Hotspots on the Line

Conservation Hotspots

Border wall hotspots map

 

Regional Factsheets

 

Defenders of Wildlife Blogs and Articles

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

Mexican Gray Wolves
ARIZONA

Mexican Gray Wolf Program Cuts Worsen as Arizona Puts Up New Barriers 

The Arizona legislature yesterday passed a bill that would cut all resources to and end the transportation of Mexican gray wolf puppies into the state
Regan Smyth
Washington, D.C.

Defenders of Wildlife Welcomes Regan Smyth as Vice President of the Center for Conservation Innovation

Defenders of Wildlife is pleased to announce Regan Smyth as its new Vice President and Director of the Center for Conservation Innovation. Regan brings more than two decades of experience advancing conservation through the integration of science, technology and partnerships.
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