The Southwest encompasses the southern Rocky Mountains, the Sky Islands, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, international borderlands, the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts, and the Colorado and Rio Grande rivers.

The Southwest boasts a spectacular variety of wildlife and plants within its diverse landscapes, but these species and habitats are threatened by border wall construction, land use change and human intolerance. It’s growing increasingly difficult for aquatic species to survive in a hotter, drier world with climate change forcing species’ ranges to shift and droughts and dams are making it difficult to migrate.

Defenders' Impact

In the Southwest, Defenders is working hard to fight the construction of a border wall to protect a wide range of species like ocelots, Mexican gray wolves, pronghorn and ferruginous pygmy owls. We are advocating for land-use policies and special designations to protect habitats and vital corridors for imperiled species. We are also engaged in renewable energy siting in the region, making sure that development and transmission won’t harm wildlife.

What We Do

Sage-Grouse on a hill

Conserving Imperiled Species

In the Southwest, we work to conserve imperiled species like jaguars, ocelots, Mexican gray wolves, fish, birds and sea turtles.

Colorado Rocky Mountains in Fall

Protecting Habitat

We are defending the important habitats and the many wildlife corridors that run through the Southwest.

Livestock Guardian Dogs

Promoting Coexistence

We are implementing proven coexistence techniques that reduce conflicts between Mexican gray wolves and livestock.

Wind Farm and Field

Combating Climate Change

We are promoting Smart from the Start renewable energy initiatives with responsible siting to limit impacts to wildlife.

Snowy Owl

Speaking for Wildlife

In New Mexico, Arizona and Texas we are involved in state-level legislation and advocate for Southwest wildlife on a national scale.

Contact Us

210 Montezuma Avenue
Suite 210
Santa Fe, NM 87501
United States

southwest@defenders.org

News

Lesser Prairie Chicken

Lesser Prairie Chickens One Step Closer to Endangered Species Protection

Conservation groups scored a victory today with a legal agreement ensuring the lesser prairie chicken will get a decision about protection under the ESA.
Visit the newsroom