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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In a devastating blow to wildlife, the Trump administration today formally rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, eliminating the long-standing legal interpretation that habitat destruction that leads to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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2023.01.05- Right Whale Swimming with Calf-FWC-CC BY NC ND 2.0
Washington, DC

Defenders: Latest Right Whale Population Estimate Shows More to be Done

The North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium via NOAA Fisheries today updated the estimated population of critically endangered North Atlantic right whales. The new estimate is
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Red Knots and Horseshoe Crabs
Annapolis, MD

Fisheries Commission Rejects Delaware Bay Female Horseshoe Crab Harvest Proposal

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission ( ASMFC) decided against allowing a bait harvest of female horseshoe crabs in Delaware Bay in 2025, maintaining a
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2015.03.30 - Desert Tortoise - Joshua Tree National Park - Kurt Moses, NPS.jpg
SAN FRANCISCO

Judge Rejects Federal Project Threatening California’s Desert Tortoises

A judge has rejected federal agencies’ approval of activities in the California Desert Conservation Area, including a vast network of off-road vehicle routes in the
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Western bluebird on tree branch
Washington, DC

Defenders Supports New Migratory Bird Protection Act of 2024

Defenders of Wildlife applauds Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA) and Rep. Fitzpatrick (R-PA) for introducing the Migratory Bird Protection Act of 2024, which strengthens our nation’s ability to protect and coexist with our myriad species of migratory birds.
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2015.08.24 - Gray Wolf in the Grass - Minnesota - Maureen Ravnik
Denver, CO

Defenders Responds to Court Decision Dismissing Claims Seeking to Delay Future Gray Wolf Reintroductions

Defenders of Wildlife today received welcome news that the U.S. District Court – District of Colorado issued an order dismissing three claims filed by the
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