Manatees in the Midst

They weigh over a ton, are North America’s closest living relative to the elephant and may be as smart as dolphins. But the fate of the manatee is in our hands. While populations of these slow-moving creatures seem to be on the rise, endangered manatees still face many hurdles to recovery. Rapid coastal development and speeding boats continue to take their toll on these iconic creatures.

Writer Nick Jans takes a look at Florida’s manatee population in the latest edition of Defenders Magazine.

Also in the Magazine: Mexico’s Parrot Trade Exposed and The Great Bear Count.

Speak Out for Wildlife in a Warming World

Congress is poised to take the first steps to address global warming -- one of the most pressing issue facing our planet. Scientists warn that global warming could threaten one-third of the world's plant and vertebrate animal species with extinction by 2050. That’s why it’s crucial that comprehensive global warming legislation include dedicated policies and funding to ensure wildlife can survive.

More than 33,000 Defenders supporters have already contacted their Representatives urging Congress to dedicate funding to help polar bears, wolves and other wildlife survive in a warming world.

If you haven’t already, please make your voice heard.

Wolves in the Crosshairs -- Again

Hundreds of gray wolves in the Northern Rockies and parts of Greater Yellowstone are no longer protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

Without these life-saving protections, more than 1,000 wolves could be killed -- the most significant wolf massacre in the lower 48 United States since the last century.

Defenders is preparing for a difficult legal battle to once again fight the Bush-era delisting -- a bad decision that was recently affirmed by Interior Secretary Ken Salazar.

But our battle to save wolves doesn’t end at the courtroom doors -- we're also working on the ground with ranchers to keep wolves away from livestock and safe in their natural habitat.

Learn more about the delisting.

Learn more about Defenders’ work to reduce wolf/livestock conflicts.

Support our work to save wolves and other wildlife.

Defenders Helps Oregon Ranchers, Wolves
When wolves were suspected of killing several sheep on an Oregon ranch, Defenders quickly stepped in to offer help. We contributed fladry and other non-lethal tools to prevent any further predations and have offered compensation to the sheep producer for losses attributed to wolves. This was Oregon’s first wolf depredation incident since they returned to the state in 1999.
>>Learn more about how Defenders helps prevent wolf/livestock conflicts

Petition for the Birds
The Federal Communications Commission has replied to a petition filed by Defenders, American Bird Conservancy and National Audubon Society to address fatal migratory bird collisions with the 100,000 communications towers across the U.S by opening a public comment period. The petition was accompanied by more than 15,000 signatures from citizens (including more than 11,000 Defenders supporters) concerned about our feathered friends.

You can still sign the petition to help save birds -- take action today.

House Helps Rare Wildlife
The House of Representatives has passed two pieces of legislation aimed at protecting rare wild cats, dogs and struggling birds last month. The Great Cats and Rare Canids Act provides vital funds for on-the-ground conservation of cheetahs, clouded leopards and other wildlife around the world. The Crane Conservation Act, also passed by the House, supports some of the rarest birds on the planet.
>> Learn More

Alaska's Wolf Killing Presses On
Despite the end of another bloody aerial gunning season that claimed the lives of more than 250 wolves in Alaska, the Palin administration has indicated that it will continue to kill wolves through other means.

Sharing the Limelight with Wildlife

Last month, key Defenders supporters and members of our board headed to Capito Hill to meet with elected officials and advocate on behalf of wildlife struggling to survive in a warming world.

Among the advocates were wildlife biologist and TV host Jeff Corwin and actress Ashley Judd. These celebrities (and Defenders board members) took time out of their busy schedule to speak out on Capitol Hill for polar bears and other wildlife struggling in a warming world.

Both testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, and urged lawmakers to not only ensure that comprehensive climate and energy legislation addresses carbon pollution, but also deals with the effects of rising temperatures on wildlife and the places it lives.

Learn more and read their testimony.

You can also make your voice heard.