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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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California Tiger Salamander
Doha, Qatar

Amphibians in pet trade win protections at CITES meeting

Five frog species and an Iranian salamander will be protected from unsustainable international trade thanks to a decision by the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wildlife Fauna and Flora (CITES).
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California spotted owl
Sacramento, CA

California Governor gives "fast-tracked" renewable energy projects a jumpstart today

As part of an interim conservation strategy, the law requires the Department of Fish and Game to identify new places in the desert to protect that mitigate for the impacts any approved “fast-tracked” renewable energy projects may have on California’s lands, water and wildlife.
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Polar Bear
Anchorage, AK

New safeguards for polar bears voted down at CITES meeting

Defenders of Wildlife expressed its disappointment today over the decision by the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) not to give greater protection to the polar bear. The following is a statement by Peter Jenkins, Defenders’ Director of International Conservation.
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Pacific walrus
Washington, DC

Administration recognizes need for unified climate change adaptation strategy

Today, the White House released a report detailing the progress of the Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Task Force. The report emphasized the need for a unified course of action on climate change adaptation, recommending key components to a national strategy.
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Golden Trout Wilderness in Sierra Nevada Mountain Range
Washington, DC

Defenders of Wildlife calls on Congress to restore funding for National Wildlife Refuge System

The U.S. National Wildlife Refuge System, which fuels the economic engine of local communities in all 50 states, is under threat from an Obama Administration proposal to significantly cut the system's budget.
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