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Study Led by Defenders of Wildlife Scientist Shows Noise Pollution Impacts on Migratory Birds
“The major takeaway from this study is that anthropogenic noise affects many aspects of bird behavior, with some responses more directly tied to fitness,” said Natalie Madden, lead author of the new study.
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Defenders Receives Advocacy Organization of the Year Award
Defenders of Wildlife joined its partners in the Safe Passage coalition today to accept the Advocacy Organization of the Year Award at the 2026 Sweethearts
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Defenders Raises Alarm Over Administration’s Proposal to Amend Rule Protecting North Atlantic Right Whales From Deadly Vessel Strikes
Defenders of Wildlife is devastated to learn that a three-year-old female North Atlantic right whale was found dead off Virginia on February 10, 2026. This
Press Releases
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Feinstein-Daines Wildfire Bill Would Evade Environmental Laws, Compromise Community Protection
Sens. Diane Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Steve Daines (R-Mont.) introduced legislation yesterday that would fast-track unsustainable logging, increase wildfire risk and jeopardize community safety. The measure
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Lower Snake River Dams Should Stay Standing, Say Federal Agencies
This week, federal agencies again ignored science and public opinion in a management plan for federal dams in the Columbia River Basin. The plan, a final environmental impact statement (EIS), applies to 14 dams and reservoirs that comprise the Columbia River Hydropower System. Research shows that four dams in particular – located on the lower Snake River – negatively impact the recovery of endangered Pacific salmon and southern resident orcas as a result.
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Administration Limits Protections for Endangered Wildlife Habitat
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have proposed a new regulation that will redefine “habitat” and weaken protections for imperiled species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
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U.S. House Adopts Amendment Adding $1.5 Million to Right Whale Funds
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives adopted an amendment to the fiscal year 2021 Commerce, Justice, and Science appropriations bill, increasing funding for monitoring and researching the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale by $1.5 million.
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Cuts to Sea Turtle Recovery Program Will Hurt Species
In June, a report published by the National Park Service recommends decreasing funding for the Padre Island National Seashore Sea Turtle Science and Recovery (STSR) program, even while no alternative funding plan is in place.
jcovey@defenders.org
