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2023.11.19 - Pinyon Jay in tree - Topaz Lake, Nevada -  by JC Bleam.jpg
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO

First-of-its-Kind Study Sheds Light on Forest Thinning Impacts on Pinyon Jays

Though the pinyon jay population continues to decline at alarming rates, until now the threats facing it remained largely under-researched. Defenders of Wildlife, along with
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green sea turtle
WASHINGTON, D.C.

Trump Administration Calls on “God Squad” to Weaken Endangered Species Act Protections

The Trump administration today announced its intent to convene the Endangered Species Committee — colloquially known as the “God Squad”— on March 31, 2026, to consider an exemption under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for oil and gas-related activities in the Gulf of Mexico.
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Washington monument - cherry blossoms
WASHINGTON, D.C.

Defenders of Wildlife Unveils 2025 Conservation Report Card for 119th Congress

Defenders of Wildlife today released its 2025 Conservation Report Card for the 119th Congress, measuring members’ commitment to upholding federal laws that protect wildlife conservation during its first session.

Press Releases

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Pygmy rabbit
Salt Lake City, UT

Petition Seeks to Protect Pygmy Rabbit Under Endangered Species Act

Conservation organizations, including Defenders of Wildlife, submitted a petition to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today requesting protection of the pygmy rabbit under the Endangered Species ActConservation organizations, including Defenders of Wildlife, submitted a petition to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today requesting protection of the pygmy rabbit under the Endangered Species Act.
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Bison in field
Washington, D.C.

Defenders Applauds New DOI Bison Restoration Framework

Defenders of Wildlife Senior Representative for Rockies and Plains Chamois Andersen issued a statement in response to an announcement by the Interior Department regarding planned action to restore bison populations as part of a new restoration and resilience framework.
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A gray wolf against a dark background with the words Act Against Extinction and 50 Years of the ESA
Washington, DC

Defenders of Wildlife to Honor 50 Years of U.S. Endangered Species Act Throughout 2023

The 50th anniversary of the passage of the Endangered Species Act marks a monumental American victory in defending wildlife against extinction. This anniversary, on December 28, 2023, is an opportunity to highlight this important wildlife law. Throughout 2023, Defenders of Wildlife will mark the occasion with events, stories and more.
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DITL - Electric Fencing - STILL - hay bails in foreground with mountains and sky in background
Washington, DC

Defenders of Wildlife Urges Congress To Address Biodiversity and Climate Crises in Farm Bill

As hearings begin on the renewal of the Farm Bill, Defenders of Wildlife is encouraging Congress to address our nation’s joint biodiversity and climate crises, livestock-wildlife conflict prevention, equitable access and accountability.
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Mexican Gray Wolf, Wolf Conservation Center

Mexican Gray Wolf Population Breaks 200 For the First Time

The wild population of Mexican gray wolves in the U.S. continues to grow. According to the 2022 annual count, the number has increased to a minimum of 241 animals, a 23 percent increase. This marks the seventh consecutive year of growth in the wild population.
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