Defenders of Wildlife
Description
Defenders of Wildlife is a nonprofit conservation organization that works to protect and restore wildlife at risk of extinction in the United States. It was founded in 1947 and is headquartered in Washington, DC, with field offices in several states.
The organization combines science, policy advocacy, strategic litigation and public outreach to conserve imperiled species and their habitats. It works with Congress, courts, and federal and state agencies, and also partners with local communities. Key focus areas include protecting endangered species such as wolves, sea turtles and grizzly bears, defending wildlife habitat including national wildlife refuges, and promoting coexistence between people and predators.
It also addresses the impacts of climate change on wildlife and works internationally against illegal wildlife trade and trafficking. A related organization, the Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund, works to influence elected officials on wildlife protection.
Latest news
How a conservation group boss made peace with his staff
How a conservation group boss made peace with his staff July 22, 2026 mrajotte September 11, 2026 E&E News Read more
11 Sep 2026‘One-Way Ticket to Extinction’: Trump Admin Again Guts Endangered Species Act
‘One-Way Ticket to Extinction’: Trump Admin Again Guts Endangered Species Act July 18, 2026 mrajotte September 11, 2026 Common Dreams Read more
11 Sep 2026US wildlife depends on our elections. That's the problem. | Opinion
US wildlife depends on our elections. That's the problem. | Opinion August 1, 2026 mrajotte September 11, 2026 USA Today Read more
11 Sep 2026Wildlife conflict bill would fund non-lethal tactics to protect livestock
Wildlife conflict bill would fund non-lethal tactics to protect livestock August 10, 2026 mrajotte September 11, 2026 Montana Free Press Read more
11 Sep 2026Recreation, Conservation Groups Unite Against Forest Service Travel Rule Rollback
Recreation, Conservation Groups Unite Against Forest Service Travel Rule Rollback August 25, 2026 mrajotte September 11, 2026 Common Dreams Read more
11 Sep 2026September marks 'Bear Aware Month' in Montana
September marks 'Bear Aware Month' in Montana September 8, 2026 mrajotte September 11, 2026 KRTV-TV Read more
11 Sep 2026
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