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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In a devastating blow to wildlife, the Trump administration today formally rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, eliminating the long-standing legal interpretation that habitat destruction that leads to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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Lone horseshoe crab
Charleston, SC

Charles River Laboratories, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and Conservation Groups Announce Agreement to Enhance Protections for Horseshoe Crabs and Red Knots

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.; the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR); Gault Seafood, LLC; Marsh Point Farm, Inc.; and the Southern Environmental Law
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Canada Lynx
Washington, DC

Defenders Urges Biden Administration to Strengthen Endangered Species Act Regulations

With the closure of the public comment period today, Defenders of Wildlife submitted recommendations that urge the Biden administration to undo the numerous harmful changes to Endangered Species Act regulations that were made during the previous administration.
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Christina Selby
WASHINGTON, D.C.

Feds Agree Pinyon Jay to be Considered for Endangered Species List

Defenders of Wildlife applauds the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s determination that there is substantive evidence that the pinyon jay may warrant Endangered Species Act
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Wolf from Wapiti Pack walks through Hayden Valley
TULARE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

New Gray Wolf Pack Discovered in California’s Southern Sierra Nevada

Defenders of Wildlife celebrates the announcement of a newly documented gray wolf pack in California’s Sequoia National Forest. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife
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USFWS
ARIZONA

 Arizona Fish Predating ESA to be Delisted, Population Recovered 

Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed to remove federal protections under the Endangered Species Act for the Apache trout, deeming it a restored
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