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

Image
Border wall hotspots map

 

Regional Factsheets

 

Defenders of Wildlife Blogs and Articles

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 activists, 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
2021.08.11 - Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge - Federal Lands Team Tour of Wildlife Refuges - Barb Buchholz.jpg
Washington, D.C.

Department of Interior’s “Emergency Declaration” Suppresses Public Input and Strips Safeguards for Endangered Species

Last night, the Trump administration announced emergency procedures to fast-track oil, gas, and mining projects on national lands. The emergency procedures remove opportunities for meaningful
Image
Andre Johnson / iStock Photo
Washington, DC

Defenders Endorses Bills to Secure a Future Against Offshore Drilling

Defenders of Wildlife today endorsed a suite of bills introduced in Congress to safeguard U.S. coastal waters against the threat of offshore oil and gas