Publications

This paper offers a framework for use by public and private entities who manage natural resources. It focuses on the maintenance and restoration of ecological integrity to help ensure that natural systems continue to provide intrinsic value and benefits to human communities. The ecological integrity measures assess four different attributes of natural systems: landscape features, habitat characteristics, representative and at risk species. Intact natural systems generally support a broader range of benefits to people than altered systems.

Defenders of Wildlife reviewed 11 recent reports on climate science, impacts and vulnerability of terrestrial, freshwater and marine wildlife and habitats. Here, we have compiled the key findings for U.S. Forest Service leaders and staff and members of the public interested in helping vulnerable species and landscapes survive the changes ahead.

Public and private organizations have become increasingly interested in measuring the benefits that nature provides, such as clean drinking water, fertile soil, and habitat and livelihoods for people and other species.

To reduce the impact of climate change on forest wildlife and habitat, forest managers need the latest scientific information when updating their management plans and strategies. Defenders of Wildlife reviewed 11 recent reports on climate science, impacts and vulnerability of terrestrial, freshwater and marine wildlife and habitats.

With three consecutive years of extremely dry weather, California is going through the worst water crisis in the state’s modern history. The drought’s impacts on

This bi-annual newsletter is prepared by the co-chairs of the Species Survival Network Shark Working group, Alejandra Goyenechea (Defenders of Wildlife) and Rebecca Regnery (Humane Society International). The Fall 2014 newsletter includes updates on sharks, mantas and rays, and the latest workshops on the implementation of international regulations.

This bi-annual newsletter is prepared by the co-chairs of the Species Survival Network Shark Working group, Alejandra Goyenechea (Defenders of Wildlife) and Rebecca Regnery (Humane Society International). The newsletter provides a summary of the latest international and regional shark news, and an analysis of the latest actions and regulations regarding sharks.

This report examines opportunities to use Farm Bill conservation programs to enhance wildlife habitat in order to reduce climate change impacts to wildlife.

On June 8-9, 2011, the Defenders of Wildlife hosted an informal workshop on diversionary feeding of polar bears in Anchorage, Alaska. Because polar bears are facing environmental changes such as a reduction in sea ice habitat, an increasing use of coastal habitat has resulted along Alaska's Beaufort Sea coast, placing bears in close proximity to humans for extended periods of time, thus increasing the likelihood of human-bear conflicts. The purpose of the workshop was to share information on the use of diversionary feeding as a potential management tool for reducing human-polar bear conflicts in alaska. Diversionary feeding involves moving/placing food sources (such as marine mammal carcasses) away from human settlements to reduce human-bear conflicts.