Newsroom

Washington, DC

December 1, 2021

Congress Urged to Protect the Sage-Grouse from Harmful Appropriations Rider

Today, dozens of environmental groups—including Defenders of Wildlife, American Bird Conservancy, Western Watersheds Project, The Pew Charitable Trusts and Natural Resources Defense Council—and their millions of members are calling on Congress and the Biden administration to take a stand for the greater sage-grouse as anti-wildlife members of the House and Senate appropriations committees threaten to derail a hard-fought win for the imperiled bird earlier this year.

Photo Austin James Jr -Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs

Sacramento, Calif.

November 24, 2021

Oregon Wolf’s Historic Journey Ends in Tragedy

The hopeful long-distance journey of a gray wolf from western Oregon dubbed OR-93 has come to a tragic end. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed today that the male wolf was killed on California Interstate 5 near the town of Lebec earlier this month.

Washington, DC

November 24, 2021

Compromise at ICCAT Raises Hopes for Recovery of Mako Sharks

After years of inaction, the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT)—the international entity responsible for the management of Atlantic tuna and bycatch species, including sharks, has finally reached a decision that will benefit the endangered and overfished population of North Atlantic shortfin makos.

Press Releases

St. Petersburg, FL

November 17, 2021

More Than 1,000 Manatees Have Died in 2021

Today, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced that 1,003 manatees have died since the start of 2021.

Washington, DC

November 15, 2021

Biden Signs Infrastructure Bill Into Law with Billions for Wildlife Habitat and Climate Resiliency 

Today, President Biden signed the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law. The law will make significant investments in wildlife habitat and green infrastructure over the next decade.  It is one of the largest infrastructure investments in the nation’s history and garnered bipartisan support in the House and Senate.  

Washington, D.C.

November 15, 2021

Anthony Pegues Named Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice

Defenders of Wildlife is pleased to announce Anthony Pegues as Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ). He will lead the development and execution of DEIJ initiatives in support of Defenders’ Strategic plan as well as the integration of best practices into our operations and culture. He will also serve as a key advisor on substantive internal and external-facing DEIJ strategies, policies and processes to ensure that the efforts align with, support and advance Defenders’ mission.

Washington, DC

November 12, 2021

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Withdraws Flawed Red Wolf Rule

This week, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced they would withdraw a 2018 proposed rule that would have shrunk the North Carolina-based red wolf recovery area (NC NEP) by 90 percent, severely hampering recovery efforts.

Oakland, Calif.

November 12, 2021

Federal Court Hears Arguments for Reinstating Federal Gray Wolf Protections

Defenders of Wildlife and several conservation groups, represented by Earthjustice, argued in court that gray wolves in the Lower 48 states should regain federal Endangered Species Act protections. The hearing took place today in the Northern District Court of California, with Senior U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey White presiding.