Defenders of Wildlife

Florida manatees need your help – tell the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to expand proposed critical habitat for manatees. This is one of our best chances in decades to deliver enhanced protections for habitat that will allow them to survive. Raise your voice on behalf of Florida manatees: https://dfnd.us/3AVeoFk

Did you know that fewer than 40 individual Sierra Nevada red foxes may be left high in California’s Sierra Nevada? A small population size, hybridization with other fox species and reduced snowpack levels due to climate change are all key threats to this fox. Read our blog to learn more! https://dfnd.us/3YX49s6

Join Becca Settele for a day in her life celebrating GIS Day at the Society for Conservation GIS Conference! At the conference, Becca and our Center for Conservation Innovation (CCI) team presented their analysis of where the five drivers of biodiversity loss are impacting imperiled species as well as other conservation GIS initiatives underway at CCI. Learn more and have a happy GIS Day: https://dfnd.us/48Vpabj

Earlier this month, a federally protected Mexican gray wolf was found dead in Arizona. State and federal wildlife officials are offering a more than $100,000 reward for more information. “Mexican gray wolves are incredibly resilient; all that’s really needed for their recovery is that we not kill them,” – Bryan Bird, our Southwest director. Our full statement: https://dfnd.us/4eREkQh

We are hiring! Love Wildlife? Want to make an impact on our natural world? Then look no further and apply for our open positions to support our team. This week’s featured role: Planned Giving Associate on our Development team. Apply today! https://dfnd.us/3ALNOyn

We don’t need any “drill baby, drill” oil advocates overseeing our nation’s public lands, wildlife and natural resources. Trump’s newest Interior pick is an AWFUL choice for wildlife – it’s no surprise we oppose this nomination. Our latest statement: https://dfnd.us/4hRv6WU

At the 2024 Right Whale Festival held in Florida earlier this month, we helped educate eager children and curious adults about our work to protect North Atlantic right whales, their stories of survival, and just how many knives are out for this species. Read our blog to learn more about the festival. https://dfnd.us/40I5RjB

“Any exchange of Izembek Refuge wilderness lands to allow a road would harm this world-class wetland and sets a dangerous precedent allowing future secretaries to trade away prized Alaska public lands to private parties for their gain,” – Nicole Whittington-Evans, our Alaska program director. Read more about the proposed land exchange and why we oppose it. https://dfnd.us/3CC2PDi

Did you know that Defenders will reimburse 50% of the cost of an electric fence (up to $500) for securing brown bear attractants like garbage and livestock? In eligible counties in Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, you can apply through our Electric Fence Incentive Program. Learn more: https://dfnd.us/40KFb1z #WildlifeWednesday

The thornforests of the Lower Rio Grande Valley are a biodiverse sanctuary that provide crucial habitat for numerous species including the only known U.S. population of ocelots, but, today, less than 10% of thornforests remain. Thankfully, a critical effort to restore these decimated native forests takes place each year – and it couldn’t be done without the South Texans who call this region home. Read more about the Rio Reforestation community planting event. https://dfnd.us/48Nvq4K