Defenders of Wildlife

Vehicle strikes are the largest human cause of Florida panther deaths – dozens of panthers are killed on roads every year while searching for territory, food and mates. Fortunately, wildlife crossings are one of the most effective ways to create a safe passage for species like the Florida panther to move across landscapes that include roadways. #SaveTheFloridaPantherDay https://dfnd.us/4hyNi63

The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System is to conserve, manage, and restore wildlife and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations. The best way to conserve and manage wildlife, however, is not always obvious. At the National Elk Refuge in Wyoming, this has been a source of friction for decades. A path forward may appear soon, as USFWS is expected to publish a new Bison and Elk Management Plan for the refuge. Read 'Putting Wildlife First in National Elk Refuge': https://dfnd.us/4kMLQ2K

“Defenders is enormously saddened by the tragic passing of Rep. Raúl Grijalva who was a fierce champion and tenacious defender of our nation’s wildlife and natural resources.” Andrew Bowman, our President and CEO, issued a statement honoring longtime wildlife and environmental ally Representative Raúl Grijalva who passed yesterday. Read it here: https://dfnd.us/4kqHkH9

Happy Anniversary to the National Wildlife Refuge System! The National Wildlife Refuge System is the only system of federal lands dedicated specifically to wildlife conservation. With a national wildlife refuge in every state and within an hour’s drive of most major metropolitan areas, these lands are right in your backyard.

Recovering endangered and imperiled animals is a multifaceted process. It takes many partners from a variety of backgrounds to find a path forward together for the recovery of the species and work with the local community to ensure the best chance of long-term success. A great example of this is the ocelot, an endangered small wildcat found in South Texas. Learn more about how zoos, scientists and advocates are coming together to save ocelots in this Q&A with Dr. Shari Wilcox, our Senior Texas Representative. https://dfnd.us/3FrBG7H

What are appropriations in Congress and how do they affect wildlife and the agencies tasked with protecting wildlife?

We’re thankful for our conservation allies! We just released our 2024 Conservation Report Card and are thrilled to see wildlife advocates voting to preserve our natural heritage for our children and grandchildren. See how your representative and senators did: https://dfnd.us/4iMWKUn

Did you know that the word “ocelot” comes from the Aztec’s Nahuatl language “tlalocelot,” while “ōcēlōtl” is a related Nahuatl word for jaguars? European colonists, not being familiar with animals in the Western Hemisphere, then misinterpreted these terminologies and translated “tlalocelot” as “field tiger.” Learn more about ocelots: https://dfnd.us/3XnaJrW #WildlifeWednesday

The Endangered Species Act is our most effective law for protecting imperiled wildlife – but anti-wildlife members in Congress continue to assault it and the species it protects. While still early in the new Congress, there have already been at least 14 attacks on this bedrock wildlife law, including attempts to delist our nation's most iconic animals like grey wolves and grizzly bears. Hear more from Robert Dewey, our Vice President of Government Relations, about these attacks. Learn more about the intersection of wildlife and politics and track attacks on the Endangered Species Act: https://lnkd.in/exc7vEMt

The hearing on Understanding the Consequences of Experimental Populations Under the Endangered Species Act occurred on March 4th, 2025. While experimental populations are an extremely effective tool under the ESA which makes it possible to reintroduce endangered species to new areas in a controlled and regulated manner, there was a severe lack of understanding at this hearing.