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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In a devastating blow to wildlife, the Trump administration today formally rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, eliminating the long-standing legal interpretation that habitat destruction that leads to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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2019.07.02-Landscape of Black Spruce Pines-Danielle Brigida-USFWS
Washington, DC

Defenders of Wildlife Responds to 21 Species Being Declared Extinct

The Fish and Wildlife Service, today declared it is removing 21 species from the Endangered Species Act due to extinction. FWS first proposed the delisting
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Wolf from Wapiti Pack walks through Hayden Valley
Washington, DC

Defenders of Wildlife Raises a Rallying Howl for Wolf Awareness Week

Defenders of Wildlife founded national Wolf Awareness Week in 1996 to drive meaningful conversations about wolves’ ecological importance and why they deserve to be protected
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Porcupine Caribou move across a snowy plain on the East Fork of the Chandalar River
Washington, DC

Defenders Celebrates Refuge System’s Legacy of Species Protection and Outdoor Access

With close to 1 billion acres of protected lands and waters providing habitat for thousands of species and unrivaled outdoor recreational access for millions of Americans, Defenders of Wildlife is celebrating the remarkable legacy of the National Wildlife Refuge System today as we kick off National Wildlife Refuge Week, October 8-14.
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Dr. Leah Gerber Award
Washington, DC

Defenders Recognizes Dr. Leah Gerber with Spirit of Defenders Award for Science

Defenders of Wildlife has awarded Dr. Leah Gerber, one of the world’s leading conservation scientists, with its Spirit of Defenders Award for Science. “We are
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2020.02.26 - Chinook Salmon - Spawing in Fall - Pacific Northwest - Ryan Hagerty-USFWS
Washington. DC

Biden Administration Recommits to Tribal Treaties, Endangered Salmon Restoration

Defenders of Wildlife applauds the Biden administration for its release of a presidential memo calling for federal agencies to take swift action to restore salmon populations across the Columbia and Snake River Basin.
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