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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.”
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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
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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

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2022.02.17 - Pinyon Jay - Sitting In Tree - Taos - New Mexico - © Christina Selby.jpg
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO

Defenders Donates Pinyon Jay Conservation Signs to New Mexico Partnership

New Pinyon Jay signs along the Santa Fe County River Greenway trail and on the city’s Dale Ball Trail at Sierra del Notre inform trail
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Hickory Nut Gorge Green Salamander on Rock
Asheville, NC

North Carolina Salamander Moves Toward Endangered Species Protection

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that it would consider protecting the Hickory Nut Gorge green salamander under the Endangered Species Act. The
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2019.11.06 - Pygmy Rabbit - Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge - Nevada - Miranda Crowell
Boise, Idaho

Pygmy Rabbit One Step Closer to Endangered Species Act Protection

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced its determination that the pygmy rabbit ( Brachylagus idahoensis) may warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act
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Grizzly mother nuzzling her two cubs in a meadow filled with yellow flowers in the Grand Tetons.
Washington, DC

Defenders Responds to Fish and Wildlife Announcement on Bitterroot Grizzly Restoration

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today released a notice of intent to complete a new environmental impact statement for the reintroduction of the grizzly
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A North Atlantic right whale calf is seen with severe injuries to the head, face and left lip in Edisto, S.C.
Washington, DC

Defenders Demands Biden Administration Action Following Mortally Wounded Right Whale Calf Announcement

A North Atlantic right whale calf with significant head and face wounds has become the 35th “serious injury” case in a years-long series of injuries
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