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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Memo Underscores Trump Administration’s All-Fronts War on Wildlife
Brian Nesvik, director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, issued a memorandum explaining to FWS staff that the Endangered Species Act’s prohibition on unauthorized “take” applies only to affirmative acts intentionally and purposefully directed at a particular animal. This follows the Trump administration’s rescission of the regulatory definitions of “harm” under the ESA, which took effect this week.
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Court Rules Habitat Must Be Protected After FWS Attempts to Waive Protections for Less Than 40 Sierra Nevada Red Fox
Defenders of Wildlife earned a significant victory for the Endangered Species Act today when a federal district court found that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's decision to not designate critical habitat for the endangered Sierra Nevada red fox was a violation of the law.
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Construction on Gateway to Road through Izembek Continues
The Ninth Circuit today denied Defenders of Wildlife’s emergency motion to halt construction on King Cove Corp.’s 2.8-mile road segment leading to the doorstep of Izembek National Wildlife Refuge and Wilderness. Defenders’ request for immediate injunctive relief marks the latest stage in its larger effort to block a damaging and precedent-setting road from King Cove to Cold Bay, Alaska, that would plow through the heart of Izembek.
Press Releases
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Defenders Statement on J-Pod Orca Calf Presumed Dead
The Southern resident orca calf reportedly born to the J-Pod at the end of December 2023 is presumed dead, according to the Center for Whale
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Defenders Donates Pinyon Jay Conservation Signs to New Mexico Partnership
New Pinyon Jay signs along the Santa Fe County River Greenway trail and on the city’s Dale Ball Trail at Sierra del Notre inform trail
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North Carolina Salamander Moves Toward Endangered Species Protection
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that it would consider protecting the Hickory Nut Gorge green salamander under the Endangered Species Act. The
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Pygmy Rabbit One Step Closer to Endangered Species Act Protection
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced its determination that the pygmy rabbit ( Brachylagus idahoensis) may warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act
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Defenders Responds to Fish and Wildlife Announcement on Bitterroot Grizzly Restoration
Defenders welcomes FWS's notice of intent to reintroduce grizzly bears to the Bitterroot Ecosystem, a 20-year effort now back on track after a court order.
jcovey@defenders.org
