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green sea turtle
WASHINGTON, D.C.

Trump Administration Calls on “God Squad” to Weaken Endangered Species Act Protections

The Trump administration today announced its intent to convene the Endangered Species Committee — colloquially known as the “God Squad”— on March 31, 2026, to consider an exemption under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for oil and gas-related activities in the Gulf of Mexico.
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Washington monument - cherry blossoms
WASHINGTON, D.C.

Defenders of Wildlife Unveils 2025 Conservation Report Card for 119th Congress

Defenders of Wildlife today released its 2025 Conservation Report Card for the 119th Congress, measuring members’ commitment to upholding federal laws that protect wildlife conservation during its first session.
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Joshua tree sunset
WASHINGTON, D.C.

Defenders of Wildlife Sues FWS Over Extensive FOIA Request Delays

Defenders of Wildlife today filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, citing the agency’s extensive delay in fulfilling eight Freedom of Information Act requests related to land exchanges within the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Press Releases

New Report Highlights Ten American Species Our Children May Never See

Washington, D.C. – Our children are less likely to see monarch butterflies, bumble bees, and a host of other once-common wildlife species due to farm

Lawsuit Launched to Restore Endangered Species Protections to Arizona’s Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy Owl

For Immediate Release September 22, 2014 Contacts: Noah Greenwald, Center for Biological Diversity, (503) 484-7495 Courtney Sexton, Defenders of Wildlife, (202) 772-0253, csexton@defenders.org Lawsuit Launched

Senators Portman and Brown Champion Bi-partisan Conservation in Senate by Honoring Passenger Pigeon Extinction Anniversary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 19, 2014 Contact: Melanie Gade; mgade@defenders.org; (202) 772-0288 Senators Portman and Brown Champion Bi-partisan Conservation in Senate by Honoring Passenger Pigeon

Blaine County Says No More Wolf Killing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: September 16, 2014 Contact: Suzanne Stone: sstone@defenders.org; (208) 861-4655 Melanie Gade: mgade@defenders.org (202) 772-0288 Blaine County Says No More Wolf Killing

Sharks and Mantas Gain Needed Protections Under CITES

New International Trade Regulations In Effect WASHINGTON – Five species of sharks and two manta ray species will officially be listed today, as a result
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