The Southeast is home to an incredible array of wildlife, some of which is found nowhere else in the world.

The variety of landscapes it encompasses – from the Florida Everglades to the forests of North Carolina – makes for an equally awe-inspiring variety of habitats. Population growth and increasing development are threatening wildlife from all sides, fragmenting and destroying habitat, increasing conflict and contributing to pollution.

Climate change is also a major threat in the Southeast, especially with sea level rise and the increase in frequency and intensity of storms. 

Defenders' Impact

Defenders is working to protect, connect, and restore wildlife habitats across the region for terrestrial wildlife like the Florida panther as well as aquatic species like fish and hellbender salamanders. We are leading the charge to bring the endangered Red Wolf back from the brink of extinction and pushing for the protection and restoration of other imperiled species including the Florida panther, Florida manatee, sea turtles, bats and migratory shorebirds.

Defenders is working with private landowners and state and federal land managers to develop wildlife-friendly habitat conservation plans, incentive-based habitat protection programs, and smart solutions to ensure key habit is not destroyed or fragmented by highways or other developments. We are also working with landowners to implement proven coexistence techniques to avoid potential conflicts and promote social acceptance of for panthers, wolves and Florida black bears. 

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Pea Island NWR dunes Cape Hatteras
Image Credit
D. Rex Miller

What We Do

Conserving Imperiled Species

In the Southeast, we work to conserve Red Wolves, Florida panthers, Florida manatees, hellbenders, freshwater mussels and migratory shorebirds.

Protecting Habitat

We are defending the Everglades, Florida panhandle, Southern Appalachians, Carolina Coasts and public and private lands across the Southeast.

Promoting Coexistence

We are working directly with communities to provide education and resources on proven coexistence techniques to reduce conflict between humans and wildlife.

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Pea Island NWR dunes Cape Hatteras
Image Credit
D. Rex Miller

News

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Students, parents and faculty from FernLeaf Community Charter School remove invasive plants and plant new growth along the bank of Cane Creek in Fletcher, N.C.
Fletcher, N.C.

Shade Your Stream Program Plants New Life Along North Carolina Creek

The banks of Cane Creek came alive Friday with hard work — much of it by small, determined hands. Students of the FernLeaf Community School

Wildlife and Wild Places

Where We Work

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