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Single manatee under water  swimming in the hot springs sanctuary in Florida
Washington, D.C.

Trump Administration Rescinds ‘Harm’ Definition, Defenders Prepares for Court

In a devastating blow to wildlife, the Trump administration today formally rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, eliminating the long-standing legal interpretation that habitat destruction that leads to death or injury of protected species is illegal.
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Black bears on rocks above Anan Creek Tongass NF
Raleigh, North Carolina

Defenders Celebrates North Carolina General Assembly’s Historic Investment in Wildlife Crossings with Recurring Multi-million-dollar Appropriation

North Carolina's $10.2M recurring investment for wildlife crossings is a historic win, protecting both motorists and vulnerable species like black bears and red wolves. The victory is part of a years-long effort from the Safe Passage Coalition.
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Sea otter with head poking above the water near kelp
Washington, DC

Defenders of Wildlife Urges Public Opposition to NOAA’s Planned Review That Could Weaken California’s Authority to Protect its Coastline

NOAA will review California's Coastal Management Program following a directive from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Defenders of Wildlife urges public participation in upcoming public meetings to protect California's coast, wildlife, and state authority.

Press Releases

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Ocelot running

Tragic Loss of Ocelot May Still Bring Hope for Future

Thanks to the efforts of scientists and veterinarians in multiple states and facilities, the death of a wild Texas ocelot may someday spark new life.
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Northern Spotted Owl Perched on a Tree - Green Diamond Forest - Korbel - California
Washington, DC

Biden Administration Proposes Withdrawing Trump Rule on Spotted Owl Critical Habitat

In a victory for northern spotted owls, the Biden administration is proposing a massive overhaul of a Trump administration rule that eliminated 3.4 million acres of potential critical habitat for the species.
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Bioreserve tourism signage for endangered parrots
Tamaulipas, MEXICO

Defenders of Wildlife Partners with Local Mexican Government to Educate the Public About Endangered Parrots

Their striking green plumage with flashes of blue and metallic-yellow in flight make the military macaw an inspiring sight for anyone lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the IUCN-listed vulnerable and U.S. Endangered Species Act listed species.
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Great Barracuda
St. Petersburg, FL

Gov. DeSantis Urged to Declare State of Emergency Due to Red Tide

More than two dozen local businesses and conservation groups today asked Gov. Ron DeSantis to declare a state of emergency due to the ongoing red tide and fish kills in and around Tampa Bay.
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A bald eagle perched in a tree above Fish Creek in Hyder, Alaska
Washington, DC

Defenders Applauds Biden Administration’s Move to Protect the Tongass National Forest

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that it will end large scale old-growth timber sales and move to reinstate the national Roadless Area Conservation Rule in the Tongass National Forest in Southeast Alaska. The Department will invest $25 million to support to forest restoration, recreation and resilience, including for climate, wildlife habit and watershed improvement.
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
Communications Specialist
estern@defenders.org
202-772-0243