Newsroom

Defenders of Wildlife applauded a decision by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to request a renegotiation of a decades-old use contract for the San Joaquin River that could spark stronger protection for wildlife and drought management.

Today, the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium announced that the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale’s population – now at 340, down from 348 – continues its decade-long decline. The species’ population has plummeted by 30% in the last decade, down from 481 in 2011. The latest estimate represents the whale’s lowest population estimate in 20 years.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that eastern and western portions of the gopher tortoise range meet the Distinct Population Segments criteria. The agency also determined in the species status assessment that the eastern population does not meet the requirements for federal protection under the Endangered Species Act.

Defenders of Wildlife today launched a new Spanish website, which will offer translated content for Spanish-speaking audiences. Spanish is the second-most spoken language in the U.S. but second-language access to conservation work continues to be limited or unavailable.

Defenders of Wildlife condemns the horrific poisoning of six wolves in Stevens County, Washington, and is offering a reward of $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. A total of $51,000 is being offered as a reward by a coalition of environmental groups.