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Defenders of Wildlife Partners with Rep. Don Beyer on Monumental Corridors Act
Defenders of Wildlife today celebrated the introduction of the Wildlife Corridors and Habitat Connectivity Conservation Act of 2026, a landmark bill that would establish a national framework for identifying, designating and protecting wildlife corridors across the country.
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House Leadership Pulls Historic Vote Following Intense Public Pressure
The GOP Leadership in the House of Representatives today pulled its scheduled vote on Rep. Bruce Westerman’s (R-AR) ESA Amendments Act of 2025 — more aptly called the Extinction Act.
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House to Vote on Gutting Bedrock Endangered Species Act
As the nation celebrates Earth Day this week, the House of Representatives will cast an historic vote on a bill to eviscerate the Endangered Species Act, which was enacted more than 50 years ago to protect America’s wildlife from extinction.
Press Releases
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Conservation Groups Prompt Federal Review of San Joaquin River Exchange Contract for First Time in 54 Years
Defenders of Wildlife applauded a decision by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to request a renegotiation of a decades-old use contract for the San Joaquin River that could spark stronger protection for wildlife and drought management.
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New Population Estimate Illustrates the North Atlantic Right Whales’ Downward Trend
Today, the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium announced that the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale’s population – now at 340, down from 348 – continues its decade-long decline. The species’ population has plummeted by 30% in the last decade, down from 481 in 2011. The latest estimate represents the whale’s lowest population estimate in 20 years.
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Eastern Population of Gopher Tortoise Denied Federal Protection
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that eastern and western portions of the gopher tortoise range meet the Distinct Population Segments criteria. The agency also determined in the species status assessment that the eastern population does not meet the requirements for federal protection under the Endangered Species Act.
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Defenders of Wildlife Launches New Spanish Microsite
Defenders of Wildlife today launched a new Spanish website, which will offer translated content for Spanish-speaking audiences. Spanish is the second-most spoken language in the U.S. but second-language access to conservation work continues to be limited or unavailable.
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Six Dead Wolves Found Poisoned in Eastern Washington
Defenders of Wildlife condemns the horrific poisoning of six wolves in Stevens County, Washington, and is offering a reward of $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. A total of $51,000 is being offered as a reward by a coalition of environmental groups.
jcovey@defenders.org
