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Violet-green Swallow
ANN ARBOR, MI

Study Led by Defenders of Wildlife Scientist Shows Noise Pollution Impacts on Migratory Birds

“The major takeaway from this study is that anthropogenic noise affects many aspects of bird behavior, with some responses more directly tied to fitness,” said Natalie Madden, lead author of the new study.
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Louisiana Black Bear
Raleigh, N.C.

Defenders Receives Advocacy Organization of the Year Award

Defenders of Wildlife joined its partners in the Safe Passage coalition today to accept the Advocacy Organization of the Year Award at the 2026 Sweethearts
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Two North Atlantic Right Whales
Washington, D.C.

Defenders Raises Alarm Over Administration’s Proposal to Amend Rule Protecting North Atlantic Right Whales From Deadly Vessel Strikes

Defenders of Wildlife is devastated to learn that a three-year-old female North Atlantic right whale was found dead off Virginia on February 10, 2026. This

Press Releases

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Snow geese
Washington, DC

Communications Industry and Conservation Groups Jointly Propose to the FCC Interim Processing Standards for Communications Towers

In an unprecedented effort, communications industry and conservation organizations have collaborated in drafting recommendations designed to facilitate Federal Communications Commission (FCC) efforts to protect migratory birds while enhancing the nation’s vital communications infrastructure.
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Pacific walrus
Washington, DC

Defenders of Wildlife Launches Ad Campaign Directed at Discovery Communications Inc

Ads plastering the Silver Spring Metro Station unveiled today in second phase of campaign urging Discovery Communications Inc. to drop plans to broadcast "Sarah Palin's Alaska."
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Piping plover mom and chick
Washington, DC

Defenders' Response to Lieberman's Drilling Comments

Today, Sen. Joe Lieberman said provisions to expand offshore oil and gas drilling will remain in a draft Senate climate and energy bill he has coauthored with Sens. John Kerry and Lindsey Graham.
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Black wolf yellowstone
Cheyenne, WY

Conservation coalition calls for clean energy in Powder River Basin of Wyoming

A coalition of conservation groups late yesterday called on the U.S. Interior Board of Land Appeals to halt the mining and sale of more than 400 million tons of coal in the Powder River Basin of northeastern Wyoming to safeguard clean air, protect the climate, and open the door for clean energy.
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Gray whale mom and calf California
Washington, DC

Defenders' statement on Gulf oil spill disaster

Oil from the BP Deepwater Horizon blowout has made landfall on the Gulf coast; it is expected to hit the Delta and Breton National Wildlife Refuges before reaching the mainland. The Department of Homeland Security has declared the Deepwater Horizon Gulf spill of "national significance" and multiple agencies are mobilizing to control the spread of oil.
Senior Vice President, External Affairs
lsheehan@defenders.org
(202) 772-3244
Communications Director
mdewane@defenders.org
(202) 772-0217
Communications Specialist
jcovey@defenders.org
Former Communications Specialist
Communications Specialist
kirby@defenders.org
(202) 772-3268