Land Use and Growth Management

Defenders’ Southwest staff monitor and advocate for land-use policies that protect rare species, the ecosystems upon which they depend, and the corridors that animals need to migrate and find suitable homes. We are active in the development of local land-use, habitat conservation, and transportation plans, and serve as a crucial watchdog for potentially destructive activities, such as mining, in wildlife habitats and corridors on public lands.

The Border Wall

The wall on the United States-Mexico border, which spans 700 miles in Arizona alone, is a formidable barrier to wildlife movement and the viability of populations. Defenders works to monitor, understand, and minimize the negative impacts of the border wall on the species and habitat in the Southwest.

Ocelot Recovery

Ocelots are not only found in the tropics, they also range into Arizona and Texas. Defenders works to ensure the viability of ocelot populations in the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico. A Defenders representative sits on the Ocelot Recovery Team which is responsible for recovery planning and implementation for this rare cat.