Image
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.
Image
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.
Image
Joshua tree sunset
WASHINGTON, D.C.

Defenders of Wildlife Sues FWS Over Extensive FOIA Request Delays

Defenders of Wildlife today filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, citing the agency’s extensive delay in fulfilling eight Freedom of Information Act requests related to land exchanges within the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Press Releases

Image
Military macaw pair
Puerta Vallarta, Mexico

Military Macaw Nesting Season a Success for Defenders of Wildlife Program in Mexico

Eleven military macaw fledglings have now joined the growing wild population after a successful nesting season for Defenders of Wildlife’s and Unidos por las Guacamayas’
Image
Wildlife Crossing Bridge Over Two Lane Trans-Canada Highway in Banff National Park
Ventura County, California

Court Upholds Ventura County Ordinances to Safeguard Wildlife Connectivity

A Ventura County court upheld two county ordinances that increase protections for wildlife corridors. The two ordinances, No. 4537 and No. 4539 designate standards for
Image
whooping cranes
Washington, DC

Safe Haven for Birds, Midwest Wildlife Refuge Threatened by Electrical Line

Since 1924, the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge has been a sanctuary for migratory birds, fish, wildlife and people. Stretching 261 river
Image
Gray Wolf
Washington, DC

Biden Administration Appeals Restoration of Gray Wolf Protections

The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that it would join hunting groups and the state of Utah in appealing a federal judge’s recent decision to restore Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections to gray wolves in most of the Lower 48 states.
Image
Pinyon jays top of tree
Albuquerque, NM

Defenders of Wildlife Seeks Endangered Status for Pinyon Jay

Defenders of Wildlife petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today to protect the pinyon jay under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The species is
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