Image
2019.08.07 - Florida Panther looking straight at camera - MS 45 - fStop Foundation
WASHINGTON, D.C.

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.
Image
A close up of the face of a Sierra Nevada Red Fox at the edge of a forest in Deschutes County, Oregon.
Washington, D.C.

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.
Image
Three sea otters float in the water. There are hills or mountains in the distance in the background.

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

Image
Mohave Ground Squirrel - © Nature Ali (CC BY-NC-ND).jpeg
FOLSOM, CALIFORNIA

Conservationists Seek Federal Protection for the Mohave Ground Squirrel

The Mohave ground squirrel could lose over half its remaining habitat by 2030. Defenders and partners are petitioning for federal ESA protection.
Image
2023.01 - Mexican Gray Wolf Recovery Program Wolf Tech - Grace Dougan (1).png
NEW MEXICO

Defenders of Wildlife Calls for Natural Dispersal of Mexican Gray Wolf

Defenders of Wildlife today voiced deep concern regarding the capture of a female Mexican gray wolf, known locally as Asha, who has repeatedly shown a
Image
Bald eagle sitting on branch
Washington, DC

Conservation Groups Applaud Sen. Merkley for Resolution Calling for a National Biodiversity Strategy

As the United States faces escalating impacts from the joint biodiversity and climate crises, leading conservation groups including Defenders of Wildlife, the Endangered Species Coalition
Image
Gray wolf in Yellowstone National Park, WY
Denver

Defenders Responds to Late Hour Lawsuit Challenging Colorado Gray Wolf Reintroduction

DENVER – Late Monday, the Gunnison County Stockgrowers’ Association, Inc. and Colorado Cattlemen’s Association filed a lawsuit challenging Colorado’s gray wolf reintroduction, an initiative three
Image
Western bluebird on tree branch
Washington, DC

Defenders of Wildlife Outraged as Interior Department Halts Progress on Migratory Bird Treaty Act Protections

The U.S. Department of the Interior today announced it is halting efforts to finalize key protective measures under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act—the nation’s landmark
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