Our planet's incredible array of wildlife occupies an equally diverse variety of habitats, from the frozen tundra to the sizzling desert.

When these habitats are threatened, so too are the plants and animals that call these places home. For decades, Defenders of Wildlife has served a leading role in shaping smart policies to conserve, protect and restore wildlife and habitats on lands and waters across the country.

A large portion of our habitat work focuses on our national wildlife refuges, national forests, national monuments, and other public lands and waters, as these areas represent some of the last, best places for wildlife to thrive. We also work extensively on private lands in partnership with private landowners and state and tribal agencies to encourage people to protect and restore key habitats on private, tribal and state lands.

Wildlife Corridors and Habitat Connectivity

We work with conservation partners and agencies across the country to identify and protect habitat connectivity for wide-ranging species.

Federal Lands Conservation

We work to protect public wildlands and waters, including  national wildlife refuges, national forests and grasslands, national monuments and national marine sanctuaries. 

Mule's Ear flowers, Bridger Teton National Forest, Wyoming
Diana LeVasseur

Roadless Rule

The Roadless Area Conservation Rule is one of our nation's most important conservation policies, protecting the last remaining wild and remote areas in our national forests from industrial logging, road construction and other large-scale development. Established 25 years ago, the Roadless Rule safeguards wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation opportunities and clean watersheds - while also saving taxpayers money. Defenders' work in protecting habitat supports the continued protection of roadless areas that ensure healthy wildlife populations and resilient ecosystems. 

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News

blue jay
Washington, D.C.

Scientists Join Religious Community in Calling for a Strong Endangered Species Act

Defenders of Wildlife today shared a letter from over 600 scientists around the country urging Congress to uphold the Endangered Species Act. The letter delivers a clear message that policy decisions must be based on science when addressing imperiled wildlife.
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