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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In a devastating blow to wildlife, the Trump administration today formally rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, eliminating the long-standing legal interpretation that habitat destruction that leads to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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Mother and baby sperm whale swimming just below the surface.
Washington, DC

Defenders Hails Bill Promising Tools to Protect Whales

On Tuesday, Feb. 3, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) introduced the Whale CHARTS (Conservation Habitat Analysis, Research, and Technical Strategies) Act that proposes new tools to
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Gray Wolf in the Snow
Denver, CO

Colorado Announces No Wolf Release This Winter

Colorado Parks and Wildlife announced today that it will not be translocating additional gray wolves this winter season, and will instead begin to plan for
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Sierra Weaver , VP of conservation law
WASHNGTON, DC

Defenders of Wildlife Announces Sierra Weaver as New Vice President of Conservation Law

Defenders of Wildlife is proud to announce Sierra Weaver as its new vice president of conservation law and director of the Biodiversity Law Center.
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Close up of a wolverine with it's face in focus.
Washington, DC

Colorado Releases Wolverine Reintroduction Plan, Defenders Stands Ready to Support

Colorado Parks and Wildlife today released a landmark plan to reintroduce wolverines to the state’s high country regions, some of the best remaining habitat in
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right whale
Orlando, Fla.

Court Urged to Uphold Ship Strike Protections for North Atlantic Right Whales

Conservation groups today filed a friend of the court brief expressing support for a federal vessel speed limit rule to protect critically endangered North Atlantic
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