Cool Critters Feel the Heat

As temperatures rise worldwide, it isn’t just polar bears and penguins feeling the heat. In his latest project with Defenders, famed biologist Jeff Corwin stars with several species feeling the heat of climate change.

From butterflies to frogs, lynx to lobster, Jeff goes on location at the New England Aquarium and New England Zoo to take a look at how a changing climate is harming those cool critters -- and what can be done to save them before it’s too late!

Watch the Jeff Corwin’s “Feeling the Heat” series on our website.

And be sure to check out our newly redesigned Wildlife Fact Sheets on the gray wolf, polar bear, sea turtle and others.

Senate Moves on Global Warming

Late last month, Senators Barbara Boxer and John Kerry introduced The Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act, providing a solid foundation for real solutions to climate change.

To ensure that wildlife isn’t forgotten in Congress’s attempts to address the climate crisis, we need your help.

Write your Senators today and urge them to support funding for safeguarding polar bears, walruses, lynx and other wildlife threatened by climate change.

Tropical Devastation

Each year, nearly 55,000 square miles of tropical forests -- an area the size of New York State -- are destroyed, devastating wildlife habitat and sending more than 5 billion tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Tropical deforestation accounts for a staggering 20 percent of the greenhouse gases generated by people -- more than the emissions of all the world’s cars, planes and ships. Without urgent action, tens of thousands of square miles of tropical forests could be lost forever and billions more tons of global warming gases will be released into the atmosphere.

Watch our new slideshow on tropical deforestation -- and learn more about what Defenders of Wildlife is doing to save the world’s tropical forests.

Belugas Take a Dive
Alaska’s famed Cook Inlet beluga whales have declined sharply over the last year, losing 54 individuals. “With only 321 Cook Inlet beluga whales left, we need quick determined action,” said Defenders’ Alaska Director Karla Dutton. “We must act, and act fast.”
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Wolf Awareness Week
The time has come to dispel misconceptions about wolves and highlight the important role these predators play in maintaining healthy ecosystems. National Wolf Awareness Week 2009 takes place October 11-17.
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2009 Carnivore Conference
Join researchers, educators, wildlife managers and activists for Defenders’ seventh Carnivore Conference, “Carnivore Conservation in a Changing World,” as we discuss the latest developments in the science and conservation of wolves, bears, marine mammals and other carnivores. Early bird registration ends October 15th.
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Feds Plan for Climate Change
Last month, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released a strategic plan for responding to the impacts of climate change on wildlife and habitats. The strategy and accompanying five-year action plan are an important first step toward helping wildlife and natural resources survive the impacts of global climate change.
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Dedication to Wildlife

Ted Turner was “born with a fascination for nature,” and his innate quality has turned into a lifetime dedication to conservation.

In 1990, the media magnate launched the Turner Foundation, and true to his ideal of creating a conservation legacy, has engaged all five of his children in supporting wildlife habitat protection, clean water, clean air and toxic reduction projects.

As the nation’s largest private landholder, he has permanently protected the majority of his more than two million acres in 12 states, forging an unparalleled legacy for wildlife and wild places. He has also advanced endangered species conservation through his land stewardship and management practices, restoring important wildlife habitats and reintroducing 20 native species on these lands, including the bison, gray wolf and black-footed ferret.

For his superb land stewardship, protection and recovery of endangered species, generous environmental philanthropy, and promotion of an enduring conservation ethic, Defenders presented Ted Turner our highest honor, the Defenders of Wildlife Legacy Award.