Image
Rice's Whale
WASHINGTON, D.C.

Defenders Slams Unlawful God Squad Vote to Strip Endangered Species Act Protection from Wildlife in the Gulf

Defenders of Wildlife strongly opposes today’s vote by the Endangered Species Committee, or God Squad, to condemn species to extinction in the name of a fictitious “national security emergency.”
Image
Merrit Island National Wildlife Refuge at sunset
Washington, D.C.

Court Victory for Florida Wetlands Protection

The U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled today that permits to build in wetlands should stay in the hands of
Image
Willet
Washington, D.C.

Sec. of Defense Invokes False “National Security” Rationale to Eviscerate Endangered Species Act Protections for Wildlife in the Gulf

In a litigation filing yesterday in federal district court, the Trump administration publicly admitted for the first time that Interior Secretary Doug Burgum scheduled a snap meeting of the Endangered Species Committee (the “God Squad”) for March 31 at the request of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.

Press Releases

Image
Cook Inlet beluga whale
Anchorage, AK

Defenders of Wildlife Applauds Cancellation of Cook Inlet Oil Lease Sale

Defenders of Wildlife applauded the Department of Interior’s announcement that it will not proceed with three planned oil lease sales in Alaska’s Cook Inlet and
Image
Endangered Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus), Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Florida
Orlando, Fla.

Lawsuit: EPA Must Protect Manatees from Water Pollution

Three conservation groups sued the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today for failing to protect manatees and sea turtles from water pollution in Florida.
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
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